Not too long ago I was in contact with the Pheonix group, who supplied me with various pre-assembled station items.
Whilst my transports were collecting said goods, we took note of a certain Nicholls Station. Quite a feat of engineering you have there.
I have a few things I'd like you to produce for me to finish off this building project. I can also arrange collection of built items should that be necessary.
Mr Chenzo.
Celcius Abonwood, CEO of OSI.
We will need some more detail then just "Hey build me Things" Before we can even discuss terms.
What sort of "Things" do you want building? Where will these "things" be delivered to. And So on.
Once you can give me those details then we can talk terms.
Good day and thankyou for getting back to me, it's most apreciated.
My apologies for the rather long delay, most unlike me. I've been otherwise engaged....
The request is to build some of your famous Solar energy collectors, for use in conjunction with powering a space station's biodome setup.
I can arrange collection of these from wherever you may be able to build them, or they can be delivered to Omicron Alpha.
If possible, I'd also like to begin building special mooring points specifically for the efficient loading and offloading of goods shipped by vessels, however for now, at first, the request is for the production of your solar technology to power two biodomes for organic product growth.
Thank you for your continued interest in OSI. I’m Bartholomew Kelsomagus, the new CEO of OSI—but please, feel free to call me Bob, as our clients and partners do.
I’ve been in touch with the engineering team at Nichols, and they’re ready to assist with your project. However, they’ll need a bit more information to proceed effectively. Specifically, they require the relative position and distance from your station to the nearest Medium Green solar body. Additionally, they’d like details on your station's current power level and your desired capacity target within a given timeframe.
To streamline the process, we can arrange for a site survey. Our team will visit your location, evaluate the station and its solar alignment, and gather the necessary data to refine estimates on materials and labor.
Please rest assured that all information provided will be treated as strictly confidential. Accurate data will help our engineers make precise projections, drawing on our experience with both our own and Freeport stations.
If you’re agreeable to this approach, just let us know, and we’ll coordinate the next steps.
Your terms and approach make sense and are most agreeable. You will find docking rights aboard Comercio Fantasma in orbit of Malta will allow you direct access to everything you need. I'll allow your ladies and gents perform your own calculations.
I'm never too far away, so as soon as our systems defences note your approach, I won't be too far behind. You may wish to ask any Outcast for an escort to the base once within Alpha, but that's your call. Zoner's are treated well in our space.
Just to note as I'm sure you are aware; all Maltese stations pump Cardamine through the vents since... forever. Breathing apparatus to filter this is offered in the first bay should any of your team forget their own.
Other such measures have been taken to ensure your stay is most comfortable, no matter how long or short.
Requested Task:
The customer wishes to upgrade the station with solar panels and has mentioned that the station will be expanded in the near future. The request is to assess whether solar panels are a technical possibility and to determine which and how many panels would be required to power the station, as well as if the current power grid and electrical systems can accommodate such an upgrade.
Site Survey Results:
Results from the site survey conducted from October 30th till November 1st, 834 AS, have yielded the following parameters:
Station Type 4, reactor type 4B powered with a 6 MV power storage and a Type 6 power distribution system.
The station currently has 5 factories, all of which are active and use between 2 MV (idle) and 5 MV (operation).
Medium Green type F4 with a temperature of 6,000 K and a luminosity of IV (average from probes and recalculated measurements), mass of 1.99×10^30 kg and a diameter of 1.53×10^7 km, visible spectrum 525 nm wavelengths.
Distance from station (Position: 5C -20579 -590 5659 Orient 3 -59 -2) to stellar body: 19.31k with an inclination similar to the station (measurements).
Initial analysis from the survey shows that both the distance and inclination from the stellar body can, in theory, provide power for a Type 4 station using solar panels alone. Should the station be upgraded to a Type 5, internal station power can be guaranteed up to 92 percent if the current machinery on station remains the same. However, as the station is currently operating multiple factories with a 4B reactor, a reactor upgrade to Type 5A is mandatory to ensure a peak output of 110 percent will power a Type 5 station.
Panel Selection:
While the distance and inclination from the stellar body are suitable for any available commercial type solar panel, the angle from the station towards the stellar body rules out the use of stepped-angled panels. As these panels (3x8 panels measuring 100x9 meters, surface area of 21,600 meters) are banked in three separate layers, the angle towards the stellar body would not be optimal enough for solar energy to reach the two sets of panels behind the first, thereby not fully utilizing their capacity.
Considering the inclination from the stellar body, OSI recommends hexagonal-shaped panels. A single hexagonal panel has a surface area of 16,000 meters, and based on the current needs, two panels would be required to ensure enough power for a Type 5 station.
Power System Upgrade:
Together with your engineers, we have analyzed the current generators, batteries, and power grid systems on the station. While the current reactor Type 4B provides ample energy to power the station with the assistance of solar panels, an upgrade to a heavier Type 5A reactor is mandatory. Should there be plans to upgrade the station beyond Type 5, we recommend a Type 5H reactor instead. To support this, we recommend upgrading the power grid, including the batteries, cabling, and power distribution systems for a 5H reactor, as the Type 5H can utilize the Type 5A power grid with negligible power losses.
Battery Requirements:
In conjunction with the reactor upgrade, we recommend expanding the battery storage capacity. The current 6 MV power storage is adequate for existing operations; however, with the anticipated growth and addition of solar panels, a more robust battery system is crucial. We propose increasing the battery capacity by at least 50%, bringing the total storage to 9 MV. This expansion will ensure that excess solar energy can be effectively captured and stored during peak solar exposure, providing reliable power during low-generation periods, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions.
Recommendations:
Based on the detailed explanation from both the customer and the engineers during the survey, we have the following recommendations:
Upgrade the power systems by changing the current 4B reactor for a 5H reactor, including an internal overhaul with Series 5 compatible batteries, cabling, and power distribution systems.
Install 2 hexagonal solar panels.
Expand the current system and power engineering team with 30 permanent staff.
Requirements:
Should the recommendations be accepted, the OSI engineers will acquire the following materials to proceed with the construction:
22,000 Solar Panels
20,000 Industrial Materials
10,000 Nanocapacitors
8,000 Superconductors
Factory Expansion Considerations:
In light of potential future expansions, including the addition of new production facilities, our analysis anticipates a significant increase in the station’s power demand. For each additional factory, baseline consumption would increase by an estimated 2 MV (idle) to 5 MV (active), impacting both peak and sustained energy loads. Therefore, any substantial increase in the number of factories would necessitate the following upgrades (not included in the recommendations stated above):
Reactor Enhancement: While a Type 5A or 5H reactor is sufficient for the current operational scale, the addition of two or more factories would push power requirements beyond its safe operational limits. We recommend transitioning to a Type 6A reactor, capable of handling high-capacity, continuous loads. This reactor type is designed for large-scale stations with extensive production demands, ensuring stable energy output even under peak load conditions.
Additional Solar Panel Arrays: Expanding production would require supplemental solar panel installations to offset energy consumption, particularly during high-demand periods. We advise installing two additional hexagonal solar panels per two factories to maintain energy efficiency and reduce strain on the primary reactor.
Power Distribution Upgrades: Additional factory operations would necessitate upgrading the power grid to include high-capacity distribution nodes and reinforced cabling throughout factory sectors. This would optimize load balancing and reduce power losses across factory units. A reconfiguration of the distribution grid, with added safety redundancies, would be essential to prevent voltage drops and manage surges during peak operational phases.
Enhanced Battery Storage: With increased factory operations, expanding the battery array to double the current storage capacity would provide essential backup power. This additional storage would mitigate downtime risks and support sustained operations in case of reactor maintenance or fluctuations in solar panel output due to environmental factors.
By proactively planning for these potential upgrades, Comercio Fantasma can scale production capacity efficiently without compromising stability or operational safety. This staged approach to scaling up ensures all energy requirements for added factories are met, supporting long-term growth and consistent productivity across all facilities.
If the reactor enhancement be desired OSI will acquite the following materials in addition to the materials listed in the previous requirements list:
10,000 Industrial Materials
10,000 Nanocapacitors
5,000 Superconductors
5,000 Niobium
2,500 Nanotubes
Report written by: Barry Smith Chief Engineer OSI
Report verified by: Lane McEnvoy 1st Engineer Nichols Station
Please let me know if and when you’d like OSI to schedule a new appointment to discuss the Comercio Fantasma upgrade. Our finance department can also provide a price quote upon request to help with your planning.
When I saw the marvel that is your space station, I knew you were the right people for my request. You have far exceeded expectations and I wish for you to proceed at best pace possible.
Your colleagues over in Phoenix have provided me with one large and one medium sized Bio-Domes already to be assembled, all parts are spread between five Heavy Tankers already here in Alpha, please include the assembly into your costings.
Thank you for your kind words; it is truly an honor to work on Comercio Fantasma and help bring your vision to life. We are excited to proceed and have included a contract offer below, which encompasses the construction of the solar panels, upgrades to the reactor and electrical systems, including battery expansion, and the assembly of one large and one medium Bio-Dome. Per your request, the materials for the Bio-Domes are already available on-site. Upon your approval, our team is prepared to commence immediately, with all preparations in place to ensure a smooth, efficient, and high-quality assembly process.
Project Comercio Fantasma:
The project includes the purchase and delivery of materials and installation of two hexagonal solar panels, enhancement of the reactor to a type 5H and upgrade battery and electrical systems. Upon completion OSI will assemble two bio-domes as per customer request. Both bio-domes are already available on-site.
Materials prices:
Item
Unit Cost
Total Cost
22,000 Solar Panels
470
10,340,000
30,000 Industrial Materials
520
15,600,000
20,000 Nanocapacitors
480
9,600,000
13,000 Superconductors
540
7,020,000
5,000 Niobium
105
1,525,000
2,500 Nanotubes
430
1,075,000
The prices listed above include both transportation and on-site construction. OSI pilots will confirm each delivery in this message channel. By accepting this contract, you agree to pay the total amount for each delivered item directly to the OSI pilot reporting the delivery. We recommend setting delivery prices for these goods at an appropriate level to streamline transactions. Payments made to our pilots can be reduced by any amounts already paid directly at the time of delivery.
By accepting this contract, you agree that any cancellation thereafter will incur a damage fee amounting to 20% of the total cost of delivery and construction, in addition to a one-time survey fee of 200,000 SC. This damage fee covers OSI’s operational losses and preparation costs associated with fulfilling the contract.
Once you confirm, OSI planners will arrange for the transports and construction crews to begin. Please be advised that certain construction phases require the work area to be fully ventilated, free of any traces of cardamine. The construction crew chief will coordinate with your station manager throughout the project to identify specific areas that will need ventilation.
While I myself will not be on site, I will keep you updated on progress, and please feel free to reach out with any additional inquiries.
We hope this message finds you well. This is an automated message from the OSI NeuralNet Bot, part of the Client Solutions Team at Omicron Supply Industries.
We’re writing to inform you that the price quote provided on November 8, 834AS, for your requested services has now expired due to a lack of response within the quoted timeframe. If you are still interested, we would be happy to assist in arranging a new appointment to review your needs and provide an updated quote.
Please be aware that all new contracts now require a 15% down payment prior to finalizing the agreement. This policy ensures the efficient allocation of resources for your project.
To schedule a new appointment or request assistance, simply reply to this message. If we do not hear from you within 5 days, this communication channel will automatically close. You are welcome to reach out to us again at any time to restart the process.
Thank you for considering Omicron Supply Industries. We value your interest and look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the future.
Please accept my apologies for the not so timely response.
I can clearly see you are the professionals for the job & Id be most keen for works to be carried out at your soonest convenience.
Please issue an updated quote I can respond to immediately, my apologies once more.
Please note however, we refine our own Niobium on the very station you are hopefully going to be working on & do not require any of this to be delivered.