Apr 12
Scaling generator fuel consumpion
While powering a few streetlamps my industrial generator was using over a barrel of gasoline an hour. Generators that are only being used for say 10% of their output shouldn't use fuel at the same rate as generators putting out maximum power. Doesn't necessarily have to scale linearly, if it is easier just having a few power level settings to adjust between on the fuel consuming generators could work.
Pending
I have mixed feelings on this one. I agree with you when it comes to the industrial generator, the fact that you can't even leave it running overnight to power a few lights without it completely draining its fuel tank is definitely frustrating. But for other power supplies, I actually like the current mechanics. Right now, the flat fuel consumption on generators gives players a real reason to stack extra windmills or waterwheels to run their mechanics pollution-free, allowing the steam engine to kick on only when there is a huge spike in demand (like using an assembly line). If the steam engine instead consumed only a fraction of its fuel, and produced only a fraction of its pollution, at low loads, you wouldn't see the same strategic benefit from investing in "green" power networks. It’s the exact same decision process you have to go through when you first unlock the combustion generator: Do you want to run it 24/7 just to maintain a housing lighting bonus, or do you only turn it on when your industry explicitly demands electricity? Later on, you can supply your baseline power needs with solar generators, leaving the combustion generator to act strictly as a backup that kicks on during high demand (similar to the steam engine for mechanical power). This progression dynamic is a big part of what makes managing the grid fun.