Gravcore power cell
Last updated 8 days ago

Acquisition[edit]

Gravcore power cells can be constructed, each requiring 1 Gravcore, 50 Gravlite panels, 2 Advanced components, 60 Steel and 67 ticks (1.12 secs) of work modified by the construction speed of the builder.

Summary[edit]

A power generator that passively draws a small amount of energy from gravitational waves passing through the gravship.

Analysis[edit]

Gravcore power cells must be constructed on a gravship to function, occupy a 1x1 space, and output 1200 watts of power without any need for fuel. Their small size and efficient power output makes them the most space-efficient form of power production in the game. Given the space constraints of gravships, gravcore power cells are a very attractive option. By comparison, vanometric power cells require a 2x1 space and output 1000 watts: double the space, for less power production. Unstable power cells, acquired from defeating mech clusters, occupy a 1x1 space, but output only 400 watts (one-third the power of a gravcore power cell), and are a considerable fire and explosion risk if damaged. All other forms of power generation available to gravships are either limited by outside conditions (sunlight and wind for solar panels and wind turbines, respectively), require fuel, or are limited to map-specific features like flowing water or steam geysers.

Gravcore power cells are limited by the availability of gravcores. These items are also used for grav field extenders and signal jammers. Until the limit of 6 extenders is reached, constructing gravcore power cells represents an opportunity cost; generating power, at the expense of potentially expanding the size of the gravship. However, using gravcore power cells can save space that would have otherwise been used for power generation or storage. After reaching the gravship limit of 6 extenders, however, any future gravcores acquired can (and should) be used to generate power.