Reactor improvements #8401

NoooneyDude · 2022-02-20T01:42:08Z

NoooneyDude
Feb 20, 2022
Collaborator

Inspiration: Rimatomics

Multiblock reactor in similar fashion as the antimatter generator so that reactor can be scaled to map and allow enginerd expansion. A single tile just doesn't look impressive / to scale. I imagine the multiblock structure would only recognise the largest shape that forms a square - for spriter convenience e.g. 1x1, 2x2, 3x3, ..., upper limit of 5x5 perhaps?
3x3 SpriteClickRegion on each reactor tile so the engineer can decide the layout (reactors are in the floor so are passable) - each region for one fuel assembly / control rod (so nine slots per tile - if this looks terrible sprite-wise we can drop to 2x2 per tile). Layout would dictate localised flux and fuel burnup - avoid hotspots. If the multiblock sprite is to be a circle (probably looks better than a square) perhaps the curved edge tiles could have custom SpriteClickRegions, e.g. instead of a 3x3 grid it'd be like a staircase - see Rimatomics screenshots as linked above. Or perhaps it should be the other way around, where the curved parts protrude outside the multiblock square.
Lockable (and so hackable, emaggable) consoles
Autothrottle and SCRAM (perhaps autoSCRAM with chance for false positives to make it a little interesting)
Instead of sliders to control rod depth use two toggle switches with three positions each. Holding up / down a toggle would change the rod depth at a constant rate (in or out). One switch for rough adjustment (say, 3 % / second) and another for fine control (try 0.1 % second). Releasing the toggle will reset the switch to the middle position (rate of change 0). Allows for much finer control and no longer susceptible to rapid, catastrophic inputs.
More individual components to a reactor setup (SM has plenty of components that can be tampered with, which makes for an exciting few minutes trying to find the cause for SM delamination). Perhaps adding an optional secondary loop (for larger stations that have the room), which would introduce steam generators and more play with coolant types.
More variables to tweak power output (and some machines to make use of large power)
Better reactor-meltdown-imminent ambience: more time, alarms, flashing lights, automated messages. A few surreal effects like fires, transformer electrical discharges, pumps / turbines vibrating, pipes leaking steam, steam generators glowing, etc.
More reactor types like breeder reactors, fuel enrichment and reprocessing, MOX, other uses for plutonium and depleted uranium? Advanced mechs, weaponry?
Reactor components should use stock parts to be upgradeable. Upgrades can improve operating parameters and add safety features.
Irradiating objects, changes their behaviour.
Scientists can make research reactors.
Better sprites for all machines involved. Official model name for this reactor is crown reactor (initial reactor sprite was a crown) so perhaps some machines could draw inspiration from that - some crown-looking steam generator or something - for a little fun.