- Intent: To create a new engine type for use with Lucerne Labs ships.
- Image Source: Link
- Canon Link: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Primary Source: Background Information
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
- Manufacturer: Lucerne Labs
- Affiliation: Lucerne Labs, Closed-Market
- Model: Lucerne Helical Engine
- Modularity: None
- Production: Minor
- Material: Titanium, Thermal Gel, Thermo Converters, Plasteel, Ardanium, Condensed Matter Composite
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Perpetual Power: Once the engine has been started using an external source, which can be anything from fuel cells to solar power, it will run until the parts fail without the need for additional fuel.
- Thermo Converters: The reason the engine can run perpetually is because of thermal converters placed around the outside of the inner shell. These converters absorb the heat given off by the engine and convert it to energy, some of which is used to keep the engine running and some of which is shunted to the ship's other systems.
STRENGTHS
- Speed: Because of the nature of the engine, it can push speeds far greater than conventional propulsion systems.
- Perpetual Power: It can run, after starting, almost indefinitely.
- No Emissions Port: Unlike most engines, which are visible at the rear of a ship, the Helical Engine can be mounted at any point within a ship and doesn’t require access to the exterior.
WEAKNESSES
- Radiation Leak: Because of the nature of the reaction used to create motion, radiation is given off quite heavily. Thermal gel absorbs some of it, and the Ardanium still more, but inevitably more will be leaked. It is still faintly detectable by sensors.
- Wear and Tear: These engines need maintenance more often than most engines in order to maintain their running efficacy. Mainly thermo-converters and thermal gel needs replaced very often, even when the engine is running. Someone wearing a radiation suit must enter the chamber to repair the engine.
DESCRIPTION
Construction of the engine is simple, yet complex. A double helix design of titanium tubes with varying dimensions of the helix creates the necessary chambers for acceleration and deceleration of the ions released into the system. As the ions accelerate, they create thrust, which pushes the engine forward. Because of the nature of the deceleration curves, the engine continues forward rather than back. The process can run in reverse for deceleration with ions launched from the other end of the engine.
Settled around the titanium helical structure, and encased in thermal gel, are a series of thermo converters. These converters absorb the heat given off by the engine processes and turn most of that energy back around to keep the engine running without outside fuel. Because of the constant processes these go through, they have to be replaced often, usually with the engine running, but they also help provide some power to the ship. The thermal gel helps to keep any heat not absorbed by the converters from escaping.
An outer shell of Ardanium protects anyone around the engine from a lethal dose of radiation, though it’s not perfect and does release small traces of radiation that are detectable by sensors. The amount is within tolerances, however, anyone working on the engine must wear a radiation suit to protect themselves when they open the outer shell. Condensed matter composite is used to affix the engine to the ship, providing the strength to transfer thrust while also reducing vibrations from the engine.
In all the engine can provide greater speeds with little fuel usage than standard ionization engines. The lack of need for external exhaust ports allows the engine to be better secured and defended than standard ionization engines. In return it needs a higher level of maintenance and is still detectable by sensors, though the radiation levels emitted are not considered lethal to most species provided there isn’t direct, prolonged exposure.
