Filed / Tracking Control panel energy current output value is dangerously misleading on solar-powered bases [8105]

Discussion in 'Tracking / Filed' started by Garaman, Aug 6, 2021.

  1. Garaman

    Garaman Captain

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2020
    Messages:
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    Build: 1.5.5 3443
    Mode: Survival / Creative
    Mode: Single Player / Multiplayer

    Reproducibility: Always
    Severity: Minor

    Type: UI

    Summary: The "Current Output" value on the control panel's Main page is a misleading calculation for solar-powered bases and can be significantly higher than the more useful value listed on the Statistics page

    Description:
    It looks like there are two calculations for the "Current Output" fields in the control panel. On the Statistics page in the POWER / FUEL section it appears to be the output of all active fuel-based generators and all active solar capacitors. On the Main page the "Current Output" field lists the output of all active fuel-based generators plus the current energy produced by the solar panels. Since usable power generation is determined by the generators and capacitors only this can mislead the player into thinking they have sufficient overhead for devices when they do not.

    Steps to Reproduce:
    Load the attached blueprint in a survival game in an orbit within 2.5 au of a star. Spawn the base by staring directly at the star, and load it with fuel. In this configuration the base should produce the following:
    • Solar charge: 15.1 kPU (from 14 panels)
    • Capacitor generator output: 5 kPU (from 1 capacitor)
    • Fuel-based generator output: 2.5 kPU (from 1 small generator)
    The POWER / FUEL section correctly lists the combined current generator + capacitor output of 7.5 kPU:
    upload_2021-8-6_1-14-37.png

    The main page however lists the incorrect value of the fuel-based generator output + the solar charge, for a total of 17.6 kPU:
    upload_2021-8-6_1-16-34.png

    If the player only looks at this value they may believe that the station can support a high power draw. If you now install a 12 kPU teleporter in the marked location you will enter an overload state and the generator will begin to be damaged.
    upload_2021-8-6_1-22-13.png

    upload_2021-8-6_1-22-25.png
     

    Attached Files:

    #1
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2021
    mr_road and Germanicus like this.

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