"Tell me more," Shawn said quickly.
He pulled up a chair for Milton to sit on, his eyes fixed on Milton's gradually clearing gaze.
Milton took the notebook from Shawn's hand, and the red pen made a soft'shush' sound on the paper.
Two minutes later, a simple mechanical diagram appeared on the yellowed page.
Milton didn't beat around the bush and said frankly,
"Given the current resources of the Prison, without considering factors like burn rate and consumption, this is the optimal solution."
"It's a Stirling Engine. To be precise, it's an external combustion engine that can perfectly meet your requirements."
Shawn looked at the mechanical diagram; it was a long, rectangular machine.
Behind it was a combustion point drawn to resemble an alcohol lamp, and further back was a mechanical appearance similar to a tractor, with rotating parts performing work.
Stirling Engine Reference
Shawn looked at the drawing, then at Milton, his meaning clear.
Milton explained, "Simply put, the heat source continuously heats up, causing the volume of the gas inside to change, leading to a temperature difference that then pushes the piston."
Milton specifically pointed it out to Shawn before continuing.
"When the piston starts working, thermal energy begins to convert into mechanical energy. Subsequently, this mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy when operating a motor."
"The Stirling Engine has high efficiency and relatively low noise, making it a decent method of power generation."
"If resources like coal and natural gas are abundant near the Prison, thermal power generation could also be attempted."
"Of course, the choice between the two depends on the actual situation."
"For example, the Stirling Engine, despite its usefulness, will gradually be used less as humanity develops more needs and more efficient energy production methods."
"That's why Stirling Engines are rarely seen in areas with large power generation demands."
Shawn listened attentively, nodding repeatedly.
"Beyond the previously determined factors, what else is needed?"
Milton thought carefully: "Assuming the torch burns infinitely and its temperature is stable, then there's no fuel anxiety."
"If the combustion material is a constant torch, then there's no need to consider emissions and environmental pollution."
"If I had to say, I think the only point is mechanical material wear and tear."
"Mechanical material wear and tear?"
"Yes."
"The piston will continuously wear down during its operation, and there's also the wear caused by the torch's continuous burning. All these need to be considered."
"In reality, unless you have more advanced material resources, such as nano-level high-temperature resistant materials, it's generally not recommended to use a Stirling Engine."
"However, apart from that, in terms of stable high-temperature difference and maintaining long-term operation, it is comprehensively superior to other utilization methods."
"Material wear and tear isn't an issue…"
Shawn muttered, imagining the Stirling Engine operating infinitely.
"What?" Milton couldn't help but ask again.
Shawn came back to his senses, stood up, and patted Milton on the shoulder.
"It's nothing. You did great. If I have any more questions later, I'll come find you."
"Remember, you are very important, you are very important to the Prison, and you are very important to me."
"Don't give up on yourself; I still need you!"
After Shawn finished speaking with a serious expression, he hurried out.
Only Milton remained, sitting somewhat dazed in the chair, raising his right hand to touch the lingering warmth on his left shoulder, his eyes flickering.
"I'm… important?"
...
Shawn quickly walked out of the Administrative Building.
"Material wear and tear is difficult for others to solve, but for me, it's not a problem at all."
"Indeed, with the current technological level of the Prison, it's difficult to break through the material limit."
"But who said the only way is to update the material limit?"
"I have the 'Repair Tool' in hand, so as soon as it breaks, I'll fix it immediately. Break and fix, break and fix—doesn't that equate to eternal power generation?"
"Moreover, the materials for the engine can be made of forged steel to increase the engine's durability and extend the repair tool's usage cycle."
The more Shawn spoke, the brighter his eyes became.
Electricity is undoubtedly the greatest energy invention in history.
With electricity, many stagnant areas can experience rapid development.
Even from an intangible aspect, such as the happiness of the Camp's population, the emotional state of the Camp members genuinely affects the Camp's development, which is absolutely an undeniable point.
"Stirling Engine… Stirling Engine, Milton, you are simply a genius!"
Shawn, with an excited expression, walked into the Prison area carrying his knife. When he came out again, dozens of people followed behind him.
The crowd gathered together and rushed into the grassy area, many people subconsciously looking over.
This was simply because Shawn was excited, held a long knife, and was followed by dozens of people, making it seem like he was going to directly crush another Camp.
"What's wrong?"
Rick's voice came from not far away, and Daryl and others quickly gathered, surrounding Shawn and asking.
"Rick, I'll be out for two days. During this time, you manage the Camp well."
Shawn's words gave Rick a headache.
Although Shawn relieved him of a lot of pressure, and Rick no longer needed to meticulously consider every aspect, couldn't Shawn change his habit of always running outside?
He had only just returned two days ago.
"Aren't you going to spend more time with Beth?" Rick hinted.
"Beth will understand, because I'm a man like the wind; nothing can tie me down."
Shawn joked, rather narcissistically.
Leaving that remark, Shawn hastily led the Zealots out of the Camp.
...
Two days later.
A crimson sunset slowly moved across the horizon, and a Walker appeared in the middle of the road, swaying as it emerged.
Suddenly, as if it sensed something, it was about to turn its head to look.
But in the next second, it was completely pressed to the ground, and a large vehicle wheel rolled over its size 41 face.
If anyone from the Prison were here, just by seeing the first vehicle, the large one, they would undoubtedly call out the name 'Warden'.
It was a red fire truck, stained with some blood, making it look even redder.
The car's front windshield was gone, and the front shovel and spikes on the wheels were bent.
Even the wire mesh embedded around the car windows was noticeably dented inwards, with some bloody shredded flesh hanging between the iron thorns.
At this moment, Shawn was also in the passenger seat of the fire truck, counting the spoils.
"First, there are four bags of dropped loot."
Shawn opened them all at once; three bags contained magazines, and one bag contained seeds and fragments.
He put away the loot, and the body bags were casually handed to the Zealots beside and behind him.
They took the body bags with both hands, then quickly rolled them up and tucked them into their chests.
If the Zealots who stayed behind at the Prison saw this, they would probably die of envy, right?
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