Factorio Forums

Hello, factorians!

Introduction

I want to discuss heat mechanic, first presented as a part of nuclear power setup. In my opinion, Wube developed an interesting new game mechanic, but had not time to work it properly. And then 0.17 have come, massive engine and interface changes, etc, no time for content tuning. But I believe (hope) soon enough they will have a possibility to work again on game contents.
It is very likely that Wube will remove fluid temperature mechanic - viewtopic.php?t=64499. If that happens, power generation will need some serious rework. And it is tightly tied to the heat mechanic.
I would like make some suggestion about power production and some new applications of heat. But I came to a conclusion that first we need to discuss in detail the heat distribution itself.

Subject

Let's look at the details of heat distribution:

1. Temperature drop theoretically limits heat transfer distance.
   This limitation is negligible. So why do we even need temperature drop? I know that energy flow is based on it, but I'm sure that technical implementation can be improved.
2. Warming up / cooling down time.
   Does it provide any significant problems or benefits?
3. Fixed working temperature of exchangers.
   Any effect of current temperature on heat exchanger efficiency will make steam production unpredictable and incompatible with the idea of perfect ratios. Operation modes must be discrete, with accurate numbers. But it does not fit well with variable temperature of heat pipes.

For me all these temperature numbers are very unclear.
Why should I care about temperature? Once system has warmed up, temperature does not affect power production.
Temperature drop is confusing : does heat pipes dissipate energy?
Why do exchangers work on 500C only?

Afterword

I think heat distribution must be more transparent and flexible.
Not the best idea, but for example : fix temperature for entire heat network (like liquid in 0.17) and make some temperature adapters to connect such networks.

Also it is very unhandy that player cannot cross heat pipes. I understand that heat pipe cannot be buried in the ground, but how about to raise it above the ground so player could walk beneath it?

My thoughts on future heat uses:

• Chemical reactions that require heat supply to the chemical plant.
• Furnaces with external heat source.
• Heat-based defenses.

I hope for a productive conversation.
Thank you!