Why did electric ships like the Tennessee's, Lexington's etc. have separate generators for non-propulsion needs? Let me clarify that I understand that you'd want backup generators to run systems if the propulsion plant were (hopefully temporarily) out of action... But, AFAIK, the non-propulsion generating capacity of the USN's electric ships was not (entirely) for emergency purposes. Wouldn't it be more efficient to increase the main (propulsion-centered) generating capacity of an electric ship, then siphon off some of that output for standard needs? Aside from efficiency (a bigger power plant is generally more efficient than a smaller), this would allow you to route auxiliary HP to propulsion if needed in emergency situations. I.e. if you need an extra knot or two of speed and don't need to turn turrets and elevate guns (say you're running away or chasing) then you have it, otherwise the auxiliary HP goes to the turrets/guns/etc.
statistics: Posted by themarcksplan — 5:31 AM - 1 day ago — Replies 9 — Views 127