Overhauls the power network to use the game's built-in fluid system in an attempt to make electricity more realistic. Adds working transformers for high power transmission, and creates various new and interesting power distribution challenges. Similar to the mods Flow Network and High Voltage, but significantly different by being the first mod that uses no on-tick power calculations. This means the UPS impact should be minimal for non-gigantic bases.
Mods introducing new content into the game.
Hello!
You mean something like Power Overload's High Energy Interface?
I've thought about this, and it would be cool. But I keep getting to the idea of having to have multiple transformers with multiple substations connected to the rocket silo sounds cooler. Is there some disadvantage or use-case where this won't work? Or have you run into cases where you can't seem to deliver enough power due to the fluid mechanics?
Glad you're still playing the mod though. I always appreciate the input :)
It's more that providing power through transformers and substations is very space-intensive. And generally has bad geometry :P
Using substations and transformers needs you to have 2 transformers per substation, and since you can't put them on the same side, you need additional large poles to go around to provide the high voltage. It takes up so much more space.
Haha yeah, it requires a bit more planning. Especially with the pole connections having to be in cardenal directions only (up/down/left/right). Again though, I think this is part of idea of managing electricity more realistically. If you have a machine with massive power requirements then you need more specialized infrastructure around it, just like in real life.
That said, do you think setups like that would be easier to design if there was diagonal pole connections as well? It will be possible once Factorio 2.0 releases.
I have 6 transformers hooked up around the perimeter, which should be plenty of power, yet it has a little brown-out every time the rocket launches
I still feel this is the idea of the mod. Personally I would've put the rocket on it's own separate network, possibly with some accumulators around it. Maybe even have multiple high voltage lines. But I know you've done this before too :)
It comes down to the balance of the mod, which is hard to get right. The idea of the mod that electricity is more realistic and harder to manage, and especially with high power areas. But it shouldn't be too hard, because then it's not fun. And I'm hesitant to provide a direct high-power generator because that might make it too easy again, and completely circumvent the challenge.
I've only played this mod myself to a regular rocket launch. The highest power area was this fully-beaconed steel smelter with lazer defences. And I had to put transformers everywhere. And personally I found that quite cool. Still had brown-outs though, but I could've brought in more high-voltage lines with even more transformers I guess.
