As an Explorer, my I suggest a new type of module for the optional internals bay of a ship. This requests is in response to the problem of an AFM Unit not being able to repair a Power Plant. As a specific module must be offline for the AFM Unit to effect repairs, then of course, there would be no power to run the AFM Unit. May I request the creation of an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) series of modules. The device would have a range of Classes and Ratings for the various sizes of ships into which it would be placed, and the various functions that ship is being built to perform. The idea would be for the main power plant to be shut down and the APU to provide power to the ships main power grid in order to run a) the AFM Unit, b) life support, and c) at least partial thrusters (so you don't continue to fall into a star, planet, etc...) while the AFM Unit is repairing the Power Plant. The APU would also need to continue providing power while the main power plant "boots up" and comes on line. When the primary power plant comes on line, the APU could then be shut down, and the remainder of the modules repaired in the usual manner. I would envision the APU drawing on the ships main fuel stores for the basic energy, and being a module qualified for placement in "Military" or other "Reserved" module slots. Engineers could modify the module for efficiency, mass, thermal production, etc... similar to the way the main systems can be engineered for the specific role the ship is being prepared for. As a commander who has spent the last two months (real time) exploring the outer arm of the galaxy and going to the galactic edge, an APU would be a wonderful thing.
Another application could be that an APU of sufficient size could increase the jump range of a ship by providing additional power to the FSD during a jump. The "However Many" ton fuel limit for the main power plant would still be in effect, but the APU would not be drawing fuel through that conduit, so it would have no effect on the main power plant's fuel limitation. It would be appropriate I think, to put a fuel limitation on the APU if for no other reason than to keep the game play from going completely insane. Ok, Ok, Yeah, I'm an Explorer, but other endeavors could also profit from a bit of extra power. Mining could profit from and APU by permitting more mining lasers and ore processing units. The APU could also make combat interesting. An APU of sufficient size could provide say 3 extra pips on the power distributor? A smaller APU, maybe only 2 pips. If one were really building a combat ship, think of a FGS with say, 3 APU's giving 12 pips on the power distributor. Or think about going up against the Thargoids with the ability to power next level shields, whether this means stronger shields, shields that regenerate much, much more quickly, or some combination of both. One could also The main limiting factor here would be the number of optional internal modules available.
Elite Dangerous has been an exceptionally well though out, and rich environment. I feel that the addition of the APU would only enhance this environment.
Thank you for your Time and Consideration!
bruceam
Another application could be that an APU of sufficient size could increase the jump range of a ship by providing additional power to the FSD during a jump. The "However Many" ton fuel limit for the main power plant would still be in effect, but the APU would not be drawing fuel through that conduit, so it would have no effect on the main power plant's fuel limitation. It would be appropriate I think, to put a fuel limitation on the APU if for no other reason than to keep the game play from going completely insane. Ok, Ok, Yeah, I'm an Explorer, but other endeavors could also profit from a bit of extra power. Mining could profit from and APU by permitting more mining lasers and ore processing units. The APU could also make combat interesting. An APU of sufficient size could provide say 3 extra pips on the power distributor? A smaller APU, maybe only 2 pips. If one were really building a combat ship, think of a FGS with say, 3 APU's giving 12 pips on the power distributor. Or think about going up against the Thargoids with the ability to power next level shields, whether this means stronger shields, shields that regenerate much, much more quickly, or some combination of both. One could also The main limiting factor here would be the number of optional internal modules available.
Elite Dangerous has been an exceptionally well though out, and rich environment. I feel that the addition of the APU would only enhance this environment.
Thank you for your Time and Consideration!
bruceam
