CHAPTER 296: CHAPTER 294: INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATION

In the laboratory, researchers sat around Chen Xin, all looking at him with anticipation.

Although these researchers were aware of Chen Xin’s existence and his capabilities, very few had actually met him. Having Chen Xin present here was an exciting event for those who had long heard of his fame.

Especially since Chen Xin mentioned he was going to create an isotope generator, which made these researchers even more thrilled.

The isotope generator is a type of nuclear power, but according to Chen Xin, it clearly falls within the realm of small or even micro nuclear power. Unlike the low-power experimental technology of radioactive isotope generators, with the backing of the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery, the isotope generator Chen Xin could produce was undoubtedly a technology that could be put to practical use.

This is crucial and eagerly anticipated for the current Flame Country, because large-scale energy technologies presently available are mainly thermal and nuclear power.

Solar energy is no longer usable due to lack of sunlight, hydropower has stopped due to frozen rivers, and wind power is unusable because of excessively strong winds. Under such circumstances, stable, clean, and small-footprint small and micro nuclear power becomes highly worthy of promotion and application.

If the construction and application requirements for small nuclear reactors and power plants weren’t so high, the Flame Country’s leaders might indeed have had plans for a large-scale nuclear power promotion.

Now, Chen Xin’s proposal of an isotope generator is like giving a pillow to a dozing Flame Country leadership. As long as Chen Xin can build the isotope generator he described and reverse-engineer the technology, the leaders would undoubtedly implement widespread application.

"Regarding the isotope generator, its structure should be a triangular column design, with a part for batteries on top for rapid replacement of the batteries inside. As for the batteries, they are the Isotope Thermoelectric Batteries I provided earlier. How is the reverse engineering of this technology progressing?" Chen Xin introduced to these researchers the isotope generator he wanted to make and drew a diagram on a whiteboard.

Regarding the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery, after Chen Xin submitted it to the state, it received high attention from the top echelons, and the nation’s most elite experts and scholars were mobilized for reverse research. The researchers present, as related personnel, were aware of these matters.

So when Chen Xin asked, they quickly replied, "The reverse engineering of the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery is progressing smoothly. However, due to many technical challenges needing resolution, the project team has only successfully trial-produced a 10KW power experimental prototype so far, and there is still some distance from creating an engineering prototype and practical application."

Hearing this from the researchers, Chen Xin couldn’t help but frown as he didn’t expect that despite providing a finished product, the state still faced significant challenges in reverse engineering.

Chen Xin then asked the researchers, "What exactly is the issue holding back progress? Is there anything I can help with?"

"Well..." The researchers exchanged glances before one of them answered Chen Xin, "It’s mainly an issue of overall industrial capacity. While many things can be made in the lab, mass production is a different story..."

"Currently, the nation’s industrial facilities have suffered severe damage. Many important large-scale industrial equipment pieces were severely damaged during the previous disaster due to transportation difficulties because of their massive size. The state now relies on the portion of industrial facilities preserved before the disaster, leading to problems with processing certain materials and manufacturing components." Another researcher continued, "Although the state is steadily restoring industrial strength according to pre-disaster plans, this takes time. Moreover, components and industrial materials that used to be imported are now in short supply, so we can only seek alternative substitutes, which presents significant difficulties for industrial production."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xin could only nod solemnly. This is something he couldn’t improve alone.

Enhancing a nation’s industrial strength requires comprehensive improvements and developments, backed by a strong country and robust comprehensive national power, reflecting a country’s true strength.

And this cannot be achieved through the upgrade of one or two devices or projects; it requires boosting everything involved, from a single screw to a nuclear power plant, all of which can be encompassed.

"If this is the case, does it mean that the isotope generator could only be manufactured on my side?" Chen Xin stroked his chin, furrowing his brows.

"That’s very likely, and if the supply of the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery can’t keep up, the application of the isotope generator will also face problems," a researcher hesitantly replied.

If the state cannot manufacture the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery, promoting the isotope generator would be meaningless, as without the battery, the isotope generator would be an empty shell, which is clearly unacceptable.

After careful consideration, Chen Xin asked the researchers, "Is it feasible to establish a production line for manufacturing the Isotope Thermoelectric Battery?"

"Well..." The researchers exchanged glances again before responding, "That’s certainly feasible, but regarding the matching components and materials..."

"Then let’s include raw material processing and component manufacturing in the production line!" Chen Xin knew he was making a bold claim. If this were before the disaster, no one would build a production line this way, since no one would establish the entire set of facilities from raw materials to components for a single product.

Typically, supporting facilities are established following the construction of relevant projects, with many components relying on external inputs rather than building a complete system at once.

However, for Chen Xin, who holds the ultimate weapon of the system, this was not something unachievable.

"Is this really possible?" The researchers were still somewhat incredulous.

Chen Xin, however, responded without hesitation, "Of course it is. I’ll carefully study what support facilities are needed when I go back. Once identified, we can directly establish such a production line to address some employment issues and pave the way for the future promotion of the isotope generator."

Seeing Chen Xin’s determination, the researchers could say no more and could only prepare to report this matter immediately to the upper-level task force.