The primary power generator of fission-powered vessels is typically a thermal-gas turbine that converts the kinetic energy of reactor-heated propellant into electrical energy. Turbines as they exist in Delta-V rely on similar principles to steam turbines, but are much more advanced in their implementation and execution, using expanding supercritical propellant instead of boiling water.
Spacecraft turbines can operate in one of two modes: closed- and open-cycle. When travelling through astrogation or during interlunar transit, the turbine operates in a closed cycle, generating a small amount of electricity while returning the cold propellant gas to the reactor for reheating. When at work in the rings, the turbine operates in an open cycle, generating a large amount of electricity and exhausting the waste gas into space.
Turbines that are subject to high temperatures produce more immediate power, but are prone to galling. Galled turbines will produce less power overall at standard reactor temperatures, so it's important to maintain them. Turbines also require a minimum temperature of 2 050 Kelvin to operate, and completely cease to function below that temperature.
Power generation can be increased or accentuated through the installation of an auxiliary power unit.
| Name | Power (nominal) | Propellant Consumption | Mass | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbine | 100 MW | 0.1 kg/s | 500 kg | 30,000 E$ |
| Twin Turbine | 200 MW | 0.2 kg/s | 1,000 kg | 60,000 E$ |
| Military-Grade Turbine | 500 MW | 0.5 kg/s | 5,000 kg | 150,000 E$ |