Conventional Power System
- Template
- Artifact
- Status
- Canon
- Kind
- Technology
1. Summary
The conventional power system is Schwarzwald's original energy system, primarily supporting the older industrial infrastructure and the upper underground levels. Its generation, backup power and industrial distribution are centred on A2, the Power and Utilities Complex, which also distributes the fusion reactor's power without holding a reactor of its own.
2. Origin
A2 began as a conventional power installation and was progressively modernized as the facility's energy requirements increased. In 1959 the facility's electrical infrastructure underwent major upgrades.
As underground research expanded and increasingly sophisticated laboratories were constructed, the energy requirements exceeded the capabilities of the original infrastructure, and the fusion reactor was built.
3. Nature and Properties
What A2 provides for the complex is described with A2.
See: Places › A2 — Power And Utilities Complex
See: Places › Surface
3.1 Power Generation
A2's first underground level houses large generator rooms, industrial engines, fuel distribution systems, and auxiliary electrical machinery.
See: Artifacts and Technology › A2 Emergency Generator And Interlock
3.2 Electrical Distribution and Control
A2's second underground level contains high-capacity electrical distribution infrastructure, control panels, switching equipment, industrial battery systems, and power-management facilities. How A2 interfaces with the fusion reactor and the larger electrical network is described with A2.
3.3 Technical Galleries
A2's principal connections to the main installation consist of secured technical galleries carrying electrical cables, utility equipment, and maintenance access routes.
3.4 Auxiliary Generators in D1
D1's dim industrial lamps are powered by unreliable auxiliary generators. Electrical failures and flickering lights are common there.
See: Places › D1
3.5 The Older Elevator Supply
The elevator joining D1 and D2 belongs to the installation's earlier infrastructure and runs on an independent supply, separate from the distribution systems used by the deeper elevators.
4. History and Custody
A2 was progressively modernized as Schwarzwald's energy requirements increased. After the 1999 emergency, some of its systems may remain operational as emergency infrastructure, and its emergency diesel supply for the D2–D3 elevator can still be restored.
5. Role in the Game
A2 becomes especially important in Chapter Five, when Edmund must restore the emergency power supply of the D2–D3 elevator there.
6. Open Questions
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