How do i get the most effective and efficient electricity generation system?

[Prezzy]

So im building a ship with large rapid firing railguns and boy does this thing eat the batteries really quick. But i want an efficient system to generate energy and preserve space. What should i use? Fuel engines? Steam engines with belts or generators? RTGs? And what would be the best setup or type should i use to maximize energy generation to space usage?

[Major0Noob]

a 2 stage steam engine

since your railgun is large and rapid firing you'll probably need to use the large steam crank pieces

RTG's are the worst for power per volume

if you want efficiency you'll need lots of volume, a 3 stage steam engine would be best here.

you can alter the number of cylinders in each stage to tweak the stats to your liking

[Major0Noob]

here's a guide on steam engines:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2298417845&searchtext=steam

[BlackTemplar]

I use custom jet engines set for 100% battery charging. They only come on when battery drops below 100% So while the battery is doing the usage dance at full capacity they use zero mats default.
A 20 meter jet engine can crank out some wicked charge. But gotta keep em above the water line.

[Prezzy]

Originally posted by BlackTemplar:

I use custom jet engines set for 100% battery charging. They only come on when battery drops below 100% So while the battery is doing the usage dance at full capacity they use zero mats default.
A 20 meter jet engine can crank out some wicked charge. But gotta keep em above the water line.

So my ship is going to be quite heavy since im going to be using a combination of layered and spaced armor. And so its not the most buoyant ship on the water line where getting hit in a compartment means half my ship dips slightly and preventing the jet engine from working. And keeping an important component so exposed above the water line at the rear or in the center with ducts would allow things like missiles or APHE with no (i forgot that shell module but it's the one that reduces water res to the shell) ,knocking it out. However, this could be useful for future large hover crafts or thruster craft builds with massive rail guns.
Also, using ABC's, you can shut down steam engines when the batteries are at full but i think i have fixed my energy issue with a 2stage steam engine which provided ample amounts of energy on firing 8 500mm guns at 20-18RPM. Although i could expand it to a 3 crank to save space since i was using dual 2 stage steam engines.
Thx for the advice though

[The n00b A]

I'd use steam turbines. At least when i tested them, they were more effient than pistons (using 12 blades or more). Instead of shutting down the steam, use them to close a valve between your boiler and your turbine/engine. That way you keep the pressure but spend 0 materials and are ready to go when needed!

[Prezzy]

Originally posted by The n00b A:

I'd use steam turbines. At least when i tested them, they were more effient than pistons (using 12 blades or more). Instead of shutting down the steam, use them to close a valve between your boiler and your turbine/engine. That way you keep the pressure but spend 0 materials and are ready to go when needed!

Interesting.... i will try that out by conducting a test. Although the steam engine is already fitted into my ship and it does a decently good job at keeping my power up.