Blulectric Engine

Blulectric Engine
File:Block Blulectric Engine.png
Name	Blulectric Engine
Type	Block
Tool	File:Grid Screwdriver.png
Stackable	Yes (64)
Data Value	753
Mod Included	RedPower 2

The Blulectric Engine is a RedPower 2 engine that uses Blutricity to generate Buildcraft 3 power (MJ). It needs a Redstone signal to run as well as Blutricity which is converted into MJ at a rate of 1 kW:1 MJ/t. The engine can output a maximum of 32MJ/t and will automatically adjust itself depending on the requirements of the machine it is powering. Blulectric Engines cannot overheat nor explode.

The most efficient method for powering the Blulectric Engine is to place it in direct contact with Blutricity sources such as Solar Panels or Battery Boxes. Alternatively, one can use Blue Alloy Wire or Jacketed Bluewire to supply the Blulectric Engine with power from distant sources. This method is non-optimal though as it suffers from the wires' distance-related energy loss. After the engine has received sufficient Blutricity, small blue lights near the engine's base will glow to indicate that it is ready to start.

The Blulectric Engine is capable of automatically reducing its power consumption and output (near 0MJ/t) when it detects that the machine being powered is fully charged or incapable of accepting the full 32MJ/t. It is worth noting that the Blulectric Engine does not reduce its power output when connected to BuildCraft's Conductive Pipes. A running engine can still cause Conductive Pipes to explode if the power being produced is not used fast enough.

While the Blulectric Engine is the single most powerful engine it is difficult to power it to its full capacity. This is because the most powerful generator able to power it, the Solar Panel, has a typical power output of 0.1 to 0.2 kW/tick. You will need around 500 Redpower Solar Panels to run a quarry at maximum speed, though they do not need to be at max power to be useful.

If powering a Redstone Energy Cell directly, it takes just over 70 Redpower Solar Panels to run it at full input. To utilize the full power of the Blulectric Engine, conductive pipes must be used as a medium.

Known Bugs

A minor bug exists where Wooden Conductive Pipes and Redstone Energy Conduits fail to visually attach to the Blulectric Engine's output even though the pipe/conduit receives and transfers the generated MJ.

This engine throttles down when directly powering a Redstone Energy Cell or a Laser because it can't easily perceive if it needs power or not. Using conductive pipes or Redstone Energy Conduits (recommended) to power a Redstone Energy Cell or Laser will avoid this problem.

Recipe