Right now we have an On/Off button for fuel generators, but the way they behave is very wasteful of fuel. I suggest that fuel generators could be greatly improved by making their power state a little smarter:
Power OFF: The generator will not run under any circumstances
Power STANDBY: The generator will only run if there is not enough renewable and battery to satisfy the current demand. If renewable power and batteries are enough to satisfy the grid, the generator idles.
Power BOOST: The generator will run any time the battery array is not full, to help charge the batteries faster. When batteries are full, the generator idles.
#Fuel power generator logic about when to run or not
sharp kettle
lone stag
I like this idea, but it should be handled how the real world handles it for homes and business.
Generator Power "Standby": Only kicks in when renewable sources are no longer producing. A delay occurs when starting generator power, causing the grid to shut down.
Battery Power "Standby": Constantly charged by either renewable or generator power. Grid stays fully functional if the power demands are not exceeded when renewable sources are no longer producing.
In the above scenario, when the renewable sources stop producing, the battery power holds the grid online for 5 in-game minutes or whatever - maybe a 5% of total battery available. Once the generators kick in, the batteries can recharge to 100%. If the generators cannot sustain the grid, batteries work to make up the difference.
Each can also have an "On" option, which provides surplus power - batteries cannot charge while on.
You should introduce a power distribution center which would manage the power from renewables. They could have multiple circuits which could each define whether they receive power from renewable, generator, or battery - or some combination. This way, power can be directed and grids can be created.