Power Stations: Resource Cost per Energy Output

[zebramatt]

See here: http://arcengames.com/forums/index.php/topic,2136.0.html

The scale of resource exchange for energy at power plants makes single MkII Power Stations the most efficient.

1st

I: -2m&c for +5 000e = +2 500 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
II: -15m&c for +40 000e = +2 666.66 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
III: -40m&c for +80 000e = +2 000 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  

The rationale is that you get more volume for your buck with a III so it's slightly less gainly per unit.


Then for your second of each on a single planet, the MkI is the most efficient.

2nd

I: -2m&c for +4 000e = +2 000 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
II: -15m&c for +24 000e = +1 600 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
III: -40m&c for +16 000e = +400 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  

(Q: Should the MkII not still be more efficient?)


ADDENDUM

3rd

I: -2m&c for +3 200e = +1 600 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
II: -15m&c for +14 400e = +960 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
III: -40m&c for +8 000e = +200 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  

2nd & 3rd MkI: -4m&c for +7 200e = +1 800 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  

4th

I: -2m&c for +2 560e = +1 280 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
II: -15m&c for +8 640e = +576 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  
III: -40m&c for +8 000e = +200 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  

2nd, 3rd & 4th MkI: -6m&c for +9 760e = +1 626.66 units of energy per -1 each metal and crystal  


Obviously:

• There's absolutely no point building 2nd or higher MkIII Power Stations.
• You're actually much better off having three additional MkI Power Stations than even one additional MkII, efficiency-wise...
• ...but you only get an extra +9 760e a second (then again, you're only paying an extra -6m&c).
• So there's little point building 2nd MkII Power Stations unless you really need the extra power and you're very resource rich.
• There's even less point building 3rd or higher MKII Power Stations.

Generally, it's always most efficient to only build one of each type at a planet. But if you're in a bind:

• If you need a little extra energy only a little less efficiently, build a bunch of extra MkIs;
• If you need a fair bit of extra energy and you've plenty of resources, build an extra MKII or two;
• Never, ever, build an extra MkIII.

[Ktoff]

The way it is balanced now, you will rarely consider building a second MkII or even MkIII Powerplant on one planet and this is intended, were the second MkII powerplant more efficient than the MkIII powerplant, everybody would first build two MkII PP which would make them a more efficient Mk III PP. If i remember correctly, this mechanism should force players to expand and to diversify.

Cheers,
K'Toff

[zebramatt]

The way it is balanced now, you will rarely consider building a second MkII or even MkIII Powerplant on one planet and this is intended, were the second MkII powerplant more efficient than the MkIII powerplant, everybody would first build two MkII PP which would make them a more efficient Mk III PP. If i remember correctly, this mechanism should force players to expand and to diversify.

Cheers,
K'Toff

Sorry, I just meant shouldn't the second MkII Power Station be more efficient than the second MkI Power Station - for no other reason than it's a little confusing that the most efficient power source with one is the second most efficient power source with two?

I'm not sure it's a big deal particularly the way round it is - it acheives the desired end wonderfully - which is why I posted the above, really. To give (new players) a little more insight into what power source is most efficient when.

[Ktoff]

You did quite some work on the calculations, so i guess you haven't stumbled upon this thread : http://arcengames.com/forums/index.php/topic,2136.0.html

Maybe it should be stickied. Though it doesn't question the effectiveness, it gives a nice overview.

Cheers,
K'Toff