Power generation is accomplished by Ytterbium Generators. Ytterbium is a soft, bright, silvery, rare-earth element that can be modified at the sub-atomic level to cause it to radiate as it reverts back to the original form. This radiation is similar to a cross between radioactivity and magnetic force. It is a strong but limited radiation that can be reflected by Beryllium. The generator is constructed by using these properties.
This power line runs through a beryllium reflector, the Ytterbium core, and an exciter coil. The reflector reflects the Ytterbium radiation onto the wire at the exciter coil. When an electric current flows through the exciter coil, the focused Ytterbium radiation causes large amounts of current to flow in the output wire. The exciter gets feedback from the power line. Piezoelectric crystals are generally used to provide the pulse to start the generators. The exciter feedback loop sustains the operation.
The way the generator unit is constructed, maximizes the current in one direction producing DC current. To produce AC, back to back generator units are used. The polarity and phasing of the AC current is controlled by the exciter current. Multiple generator units can be used to generate large currents and/or voltages.
Ytterbium radiation is not harmful to humans in small quantities. It can have a disruptive effect on organic materials close to it so it must be carefully handled. Its radiation has a short range and does not leave lingering radiation as do radioactive materials. Since it is an artificial material, it can be undone with no lingering radiation.
Because of the light weight and high power outputs it is a common for portable power generation and is the main power source for colonies where other power sources are limited or non-existent. The high power units such as the Chrispin uses are heavily shielded because of the radiation. Lighter weight units are generally not shielded because the lower radiation levels are not harmful.
The MacPherson Drive was invented in 2367 by Angus MacPherson. For the first time humans could exceed the barrier of light speed. This opened up the stars for human expansion.
The drive creates a field in an area enclosed by an metal shell made of an alloy containing iridium. The iridium acts as a conduit for the MacPherson field. The field creates a hole in the continuum of space into which the ship and all with in the drive's field falls (called MacPherson jumps). At the end of the jump, the ship has moved in real space. There is also an inertial effect which means that at the end of the jump, the ship has picked up some velocity. This process is repeated rapidly giving the characteristic hum of the MacPherson Drive.
This power line runs through a beryllium reflector, the Ytterbium core, and an exciter coil. The reflector reflects the Ytterbium radiation onto the wire at the exciter coil. When an electric current flows through the exciter coil, the focused Ytterbium radiation causes large amounts of current to flow in the output wire. The exciter gets feedback from the power line. Piezoelectric crystals are generally used to provide the pulse to start the generators. The exciter feedback loop sustains the operation.
The way the generator unit is constructed, maximizes the current in one direction producing DC current. To produce AC, back to back generator units are used. The polarity and phasing of the AC current is controlled by the exciter current. Multiple generator units can be used to generate large currents and/or voltages.
Ytterbium radiation is not harmful to humans in small quantities. It can have a disruptive effect on organic materials close to it so it must be carefully handled. Its radiation has a short range and does not leave lingering radiation as do radioactive materials. Since it is an artificial material, it can be undone with no lingering radiation.
Because of the light weight and high power outputs it is a common for portable power generation and is the main power source for colonies where other power sources are limited or non-
The MacPherson Drive was invented in 2367 by Angus MacPherson. For the first time humans could exceed the barrier of light speed. This opened up the stars for human expansion.
The drive creates a field in an area enclosed by an metal shell made of an alloy containing iridium. The iridium acts as a conduit for the MacPherson field. The field creates a hole in the continuum of space into which the ship and all with in the drive's field falls (called MacPherson jumps). At the end of the jump, the ship has moved in real space. There is also an inertial effect which means that at the end of the jump, the ship has picked up some velocity. This process is repeated rapidly giving the characteristic hum of the MacPherson Drive.
