I just did a comparison of odd ways to generate IC2 energy, and came upon something interesting.
One turbine costs 248 steel.
The amount of boiler required for one steam turbine is 18 m^3 of HP tank, or 43 steel.
One turbine rotor produces 100eu/t for 41 hrs, with a cost of 99 steel.
(Can someone check these numbers please?)
That means that up-front, a steam turbine costs 390 steel for 100eu/t, or 0.26 eu/t/iron.
A wind generator in a Mystcraft age with consistent weather can produce 2.49eu/t avg without risk of breakage, and costs 12 iron, or 0.21 eu/t/iron.
The turnover point is at the first turbine replacement at 41 hours. Although a steam turbine produces more eu/t per iron upfront, a steam turbine continues to burn iron whereas the wind generators just sit there producing energy. Also, a turbine uses fuel, whereas wind generators are fire-and-forget.
As such, why bother to use a steam turbine? If you're going for quick energy, use a geothermal generator or ten. If you're looking for the long haul, use wind generators. Are there any good uses for Railcraft Steam Turbines currently?
One turbine costs 248 steel.
The amount of boiler required for one steam turbine is 18 m^3 of HP tank, or 43 steel.
One turbine rotor produces 100eu/t for 41 hrs, with a cost of 99 steel.
(Can someone check these numbers please?)
That means that up-front, a steam turbine costs 390 steel for 100eu/t, or 0.26 eu/t/iron.
A wind generator in a Mystcraft age with consistent weather can produce 2.49eu/t avg without risk of breakage, and costs 12 iron, or 0.21 eu/t/iron.
The turnover point is at the first turbine replacement at 41 hours. Although a steam turbine produces more eu/t per iron upfront, a steam turbine continues to burn iron whereas the wind generators just sit there producing energy. Also, a turbine uses fuel, whereas wind generators are fire-and-forget.
As such, why bother to use a steam turbine? If you're going for quick energy, use a geothermal generator or ten. If you're looking for the long haul, use wind generators. Are there any good uses for Railcraft Steam Turbines currently?