Chapter 60: Microwave Power Transmission System
“The fusion reactor is operating stably. Rated voltage has been reached. Capacitors are stable for input and output.”
“Finally, it’s time…”
The full-scale operation of the Microwave Power Transmission System, installed at the apex of The Tree, is about to commence. This system is more of a test unit, primarily aimed at identifying any issues that may arise. After gaining operational experience, plans are in place to construct a large-scale power transmission facility on the Northern Continent for the fortresses.
“Initiating microwave power transmission.”
The target for this transmission is the Alpha-class destroyers deployed in the vicinity. Equipped with microwave receiving devices, we will investigate whether power can be transmitted successfully and assess any potential impacts on the surrounding environment.
“Transmitter voltage has reached the specified level.”
“Commander (Ma’am), the sea surface is…”
“Oh my…”
Akane, the eldest sister, noticed that the temperature of the sea surface around the 18th Alpha-class destroyer, Romeo, has begun to rise slightly.
“The microwave transmission is heating the sea surface.”
“Is the convergence rate poor, perhaps?”
As they continued their casual conversation, it seemed that Romeo’s receiving system was also ready.
“Romeo, receiving device voltage has reached the specified level. Commencing power supply to the equipment.”
As the gas turbine generator is disconnected from the ship’s power grid, the microwave receiving device is connected. Theoretically, the transmitted power should be sufficient to cover the ship’s internal energy needs.
“Ship’s internal voltage is stable. The receiving equipment is functioning without issues.”
“Looks like we’ve achieved success for now.”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am).”
While there is a problem with the coherence of the transmitted microwaves being low, the microwave power transmission itself is a success. This means that, in theory, indirect power supply from The Tree can reach an area of about 10 kilometers around it. However, dispersing such powerful microwaves that raise the sea surface temperature is not ideal from an environmental or efficiency standpoint.
“If it’s a basic technology tree power transmission system, this might be the best we can do.”
“Olive is working on improvements, right? The microwave power transmission system?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). We are currently in the final verification stage of a technology that synchronizes multiple transmitters to enable power supply to specific points. The equipment at the apex of The Tree transmits power linearly, but the new technology utilizes spatial coherence to supply power to any point within range. If we deploy the transmission equipment effectively, we can transmit power while ignoring obstacles.”
One of the issues with microwave power transmission is that if there are obstacles between the transmitter and receiver, the power supply is interrupted. This makes it impractical for use on the ground, limiting it to aerial or maritime applications. However, if the technology currently under research can be realized, there will be no need to worry about obstacles. The one conducting the foundational research is Olive, the Android who loves creating things. It seems that stable results have been achieved at the laboratory level, and plans are underway to set up experimental facilities externally.
“With resource acquisition now on track, we have also begun releasing stockpiles. I believe we will be able to report on the results soon.”
“That sounds exciting. We also have the relay drones, right?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). We are also in the process of manufacturing microwave relay drones that can operate for several years within an altitude range of 20 to 30 kilometers. Currently, there are no obstacles in the sky, allowing us to cover distant areas with a small number of drones. Once these are operational, the operational range of various machines will expand significantly.”
The current bottleneck for The Tree is fuel consumption. Resources are being steadily secured through trade with the Port Town of Terek. Once the construction of the fortress begins operations, self-extraction will also become possible. However, no alternative fuel candidates to replace oil have been found so far. Of course, oil itself has not been discovered yet. While there is still some leeway, she does not want to see the resource management chart that only shows a decline.
“Goodness. While I want the exploration for oil to continue, we can also utilize electricity moving forward. Given the limitations of microwave power transmission for range, we will have to rely on oil for the time being.”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). Once we secure rare metals, we will be able to manufacture high-performance batteries, but for now, we have no choice but to consume oil.”
The survey range using the Albatross flying boats is gradually expanding. However, the wider the range, the more time it takes. It is unlikely that a location where oil gushes from the ground will conveniently be found, and they can only predict potential deposits while creating topographic maps. There is information in the library regarding underground structures where oil is likely to accumulate, and they are continuing their exploration based on that.
“If we can operate within the power transmission range, we won’t need oil. For the time being, the area between The Tree and the Second Fortress, as well as around the Port Town of Terek and Iron Town, will be our main operational zones, significantly reducing oil consumption. We can redirect resources toward distant exploration.”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). However, we need to start paying attention to the movements of other nations. Expanding the exploration range will eventually lead us to cross borders.”
“Speaking of which, that was a concern, wasn’t it…?”
“…Ah. That arrow message…”
Akane murmured softly. She had shown interest in the multiple languages written in the arrow message, leading to its deciphering. However, since it was written in a dialect from the Aflarasia region that she had already mastered, it was more of a classification than a true deciphering.
“That’s right, Akane. The entity that sent that arrow message belongs to the Forest Country, Lebresta. If the content is to be believed, it seems to be from the border patrol.”
“Commander (Ma’am), I am interested in negotiations with the other nation (Lebresta).”
It was rare for Akane to express such a desire. Generally, she only shows active interest in books, but it seems that the Forest Country has struck a chord with her.
“Hmm… It’s difficult to act on this immediately…”
She wanted to fulfill her cute little sister’s request, but of course, she couldn’t send Akane herself. Even if she were to send robots, the distance would be a significant hurdle. They would be too far apart for communication, and securing power would be challenging.
“Commander (Ma’am). If we can appropriately deploy the relay drones, we will eventually be able to send machines to the Forest Country (Lebresta). If communication is all that’s needed, we can further expand the range.”
This issue was also something RINGO had been contemplating. If they could establish a power transmission network using the microwave power transmission system and relay drones, it would be possible to organize and dispatch a mechanical unit from The Tree. For the time being, they could only send reconnaissance units for danger assessment, but that would be far better than the current situation where they could do nothing. If necessary, they could even secure a base inland. If they could set up power generation facilities and a power transmission system, their operational range would increase dramatically.
“However, the consumption of materials would be enormous…”
As she sighed while reviewing the plan presented by RINGO, she realized that the resources they currently possessed were far from sufficient, necessitating simultaneous exploration and extraction of resources.
“Considering the amount of resources we could acquire, should we allocate some for space development?”
“Yes, Commander (Ma’am). That plan is also being formulated.”
While relay drones are easy to deploy at low cost, they are still merely atmospheric flying machines. Their altitude is limited to about 20 kilometers, and the coverage area is narrow. If they could deploy facilities in satellite orbit, they would be able to observe a wide area without worrying about arrow messages. Specifically, an altitude of 400 kilometers would be ideal. If they could venture into space, they could establish solar power generation facilities at Lagrange points, enabling safe and cost-effective large-scale energy production.
“Well, reaching that point is still a distant dream…”
Space exploration is fraught with challenges that must be overcome. For now, they would need to construct a rocket launch platform at sea. This would require a massive amount of concrete and steel. Following that, they would need to develop rockets and produce rocket fuel. Ideally, they would want a space shuttle. Once those aspects stabilize, they could consider building a space elevator or a mass driver.
“Commander (Ma’am). First, we need to focus on constructing the Second Fortress and mining in the surrounding area. That technology tree will develop in due time.”
“…Ah.”
As she scrolled through the technology tree, she was gently redirected by RINGO. What she needed to confirm now were the matters related to the Second Fortress and the microwave power transmission system.
“…You’re right. For the time being, we have no choice but to aim for leveling up. Hmm, for now, our goal is to secure resources in large quantities.”