Capítulo 316: You Could Be The Chemical

Jayr POV - Earth, Georgia, Center for Disease Control and Prevention - 2010

While Rick's group together with Dr. Jenner heads outside to retrive the jarrycans full of gasoline to refill the emergency generators, I lead my group to dismantle all the useless and redundant equipment to recover as many materials as possible so that we can use them to build the solar panels and solar batteries needed to power the whole building.

Luckily, thanks to the importance that the C.D.C. had for the American Government, it was regularly provided with the most advanced technologies and equipment available making it a lot easier to recover the material needed to build the solar panels and batteries, and even in the case where it isn't possible to reclycle or find something, especially some chemical components, we will still be able to produce them ourselves in some way by taking advance of the very extensive collection of basic chemical substances in the storage.

After some time, Dr. Jenner and Rick joins us, infroming me that their group was able to successfully recover all the jerrycans and refill a couple of barrels giving us a couple more day of energy if we are very careful with it.

Hearing that, I smile and say, "Good job. Now we just have to focus on building and installing the solar panels and solar batteries and then the C.D.C. will once again be up and running, allowing me and Dr. Jenner to focus on finding a cure."

This earns me a hopeful smile from Dr. Jenner and a very deep sigh of relief from Rick who also felt the pressure caused by this energy crisis.

After that, I request the help from Rick's group in carrying the materials and tools we have already gathered on the rooftop as we will build and install the solar panels directily there.

Hearing that, Rick quickly rushes to call the others, but when he returns some time later, I notice that he brought with him not only the people that went with him to retrive the jerrycans of gasoline from the cargo truck, but also everyone else, kids included as they also want to do their part.

In the end, with the combined effort of 35 people, we are able to bring everything up to the rooftop of the building where I start to teach and direct Morgan, Dale, Jim, and Dr. Jenner on how to build an effective DIY (Do-It-Yourself) solar panel, "Ok everyone, listen carefully. Although solar panels do the challenging job of generating solar energy from the sun, building a solar panel is actually pretty simple when you know how to do it and if you are good with working with your hands."

After saying that, I gave them a brief explanation of how the solar panels are made by showing them some drawings of the process that I had prepared beforehand, "Take this... It is a simple explanation of how solar panels are made. These drawings show you how we start by making thin silicon wafers that will become solar cells when they are treated with chemicals to produce an electrical charge when exposed to sunlight. How those cells are then wired together in strings and sandwiched between layers of glass and EVA plastic. By the way, for those who don't know, EVA stands for Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate the main components of this rubber-like material which luckily we were able to recover quite a bit of this material. Anyway, it shows how those layers we created are then heated to create a watertight seal. Then as you can see the sealed layers are then set inside a metal frame, and the wires are combined into a plastic junction box on the back of the panel, with two wires coming out of the junction box to carry electricity to other panels or a solar inverter."

At this point, Morgan who continued to look at the drawing in his hand during my explanation, looks at me and says, "Doc, while all this is very useful... I don't think I'll be able to build a solar panel from scratch by following these drawings..."

In response to Morgan's words, Dale, Jim, and the other also nod while Dr. Jenner comments, "Indeed... I do have some basic engineering knowledge... but I'm a virologist! This is way above my personal skills... It's already a wonder for me that you even know about such things in such detail..."

Hearing that, I smile and say, "Do not worry about it. I'll guide you step-by-step... After all, if I do all this on my own it would take too much time to complete... Time that we don't have the luxury of wasting."

After saying that, I give them a more thorough explanation, "Now, let me tell you guys a few more important things you have to know about the step-by-step process of how solar panels are made. At the most basic level, the key components of a solar panel are solar PV cells, polysilicon or silicon, metal, and glass. The most important component is the solar cells which convert sunlight into usable energy. Solar cells are the photovoltaic component of solar panels, meaning they produce energy from the sun. The solar cells are made up of silicon and are protected by a sheet of glass over the panels which allows sunlight to be filtered to the cells. When exposed to sunlight, solar silicon dioxide cells generate an electric current, which is then converted to usable AC electricity via an inverter. The solar cells are assembled using wiring that transfers the electricity. This wiring is soldered to the cells which are then assembled between a backsheet and the glass that protects the cells. In the end, the entire panel is held together with a metal frame."

After explaining all that, I smile and add, "Of course, this is an oversimplification of the whole process of how solar panels are made, so I'll continue to guide you as we build the solar panels."

At this point, Dr. Jenner raises a question, "Wait... I already told you before that I'm not an engineer, but from what I can see we only have enough material to build 20 or so small-sized solar panels, right? I don't think they are going to be enough to fulfill the energy needs of the entire structure."

In response, I quickly admit, "That's right... usually 20 solar panels are in no way enough to sustain the energy consumption of a building of this size..." but then I quickly add, "... But that is only so if you are talking about the common solar panels. The ones we are going to build are much more efficient than those, making it possible for them to gather enough energy for all our needs. And the same is true for the solar batteries we are going to install that will be able to store much more excess energy than any other product that was available before all went to shit."

After reassuring them and answering all the other questions they had, we finally started to work on building a bootleg version of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Universe's solar panels invented by Lordgenome.

I start by showing them how to turn the raw silicon into silicon ingots and how to carefully slice them into silicon wafers while also reminding them, "Remember that these wafers will be made into solar cells that will be wired together in a solar panel... so be as precise as possible. But be mindful to not slice all the silicon ingots in wafers as we will also need them for some other parts for the solar cells."

After showing them how to do that and giving them all the warnings, I ask them to repeat what I just did and once I'm sure they are able to do it without screwing up, I focus on the next step, building the solar silicon cells that are going to be either p-type or n-type but considering our needs, I think that the n-type are the better options.

The reason for that is that the p-type silicon cells are the traditional structure of solar cells that are built on a positively charged base, which means that the bottom layer is mixed with boron and the top layer is mixed with phosphorus, meanwhile, the n-type cell is built oppositely, with the phosphorus serving as the base, because of that the n-type cells offer more efficiency and they are not affected by light-induced degradation, or reduction in output when exposed to extreme sunlight.

Of course, considering the delicate and somewhat dangerous nature of the process, I only allow Dr. Jenner to help me, after all, he is the only one besides me who has actual experience in working with dangerous chemical substances and elements, meanwhile, the others continue to turn the raw silicon into silicon ingots before they slice it into wafers.

After all, solar cells are made with crystalline silicon that is melted and mixed with gallium or boron to form wafers, after that, phosphorous is added to the silicon, and along with the gallium or boron, these substances give silicon its electrical capability.

Once we have done that, we cut the silicon ingots into thin sheets and apply an anti-reflective coating that will capture the sunlight instead of reflecting it away from the panels.

After that, thin lines are then cut into the cells to capture and move the electrical current within the cell and that is something that only I can do as it needs a hell lot of precision and control.

I notice that while I'm cutting the thin lines into the cells, Dr. Jenner and the other have stopped working and are now looking at me with bafflement mixed with awe.

The reason for that is that I'm actually using my personal tools to do this, which are very, very archaic for their taste as they are the same ones I use to repair and enhance Cloths, the ones I'm most familiar with.

The Pointer that is used to carve the surface of the armor, is able to reach the areas where the rest of the tools do not reach, the one I mostly use for delicate and detailed works.

The Chisel removes unnecessary elements from the surfaces to be worked on before starting the carving, it is quite versatile and it is able to cut and model any material.

The Long Needle which is used to shape the areas that require undulating or cavity carving, is very likely my most precise tool.

Last but not least is the Hammer with which I can produce the necessary force to handle the instruments without damaging the material I'm working with.

The reason for their state is that despite the tools I'm using being too "old-fashioned", I'm still able to work with them using the same speed and precision of an industrial high-precision tool something they find unbelievable.

After that process, the solar cells finally become semiconductors of electricity which is generated by the photovoltaic effect, when the sunlight's photons are absorbed, electrons then drift within the solar cells to create energy.

Now that we have processed all the parts needed for a couple of solar panels, we can start to move on to the actual building of them, but before that we have to take a small break for lunch, after all, unlike me, Dr. Jenner, Dale, Morgan, Jim, and the other that are helping me are still human and they do need to eat and rest.

Well, to be honest, I too need to eat now that my Spiral Cosmo is sealed something that makes me smile wryly while thinking, 'It is funny to notice just how much I relied on my powers in my daily life now that I'm without them. For example, I could have easily brought all the materials on the rooftop using my Telekinesis or simply by teleporting them. In fact, I could have easily materialized a set of working solar panels in a moment by expending an unnoticeable amount of Spiral Cosmo and getting done with it. Luckily I didn't slack off and made sure to be ready in case I would find myself in a universe like this one where supernatural powers and magic do not exist and as such aren't allowed.'

While I'm thinking that, my group arrives at the cafeteria where Carol, Lori, and a few other women improvise a simple lunch for everyone.

As we are eating, a curious Rick breaks the silence by asking, "So... how is going up there? Are there any problems?" which makes Morgan quickly reply, "I think we are advancing at a good pace... Doc is a good teacher and he also works very fast. I think that we may able to complete some panels before it gets dark." followed by Dale who adds, "That's true... Jayr seems to be able to do the work of 5 people on his own and the way he uses his tools seems almost a form of art."

Hearing that, Dr. Jenner chuckles and comments, "Heh... I still can't fathom how he is able to do such precise work using tools like pointers, chisels, long needles, and a hammer... It's unbelievable!"

At this point, I decided to change the subject and say, "By the way, I have been thinking about what we should do once we solve the energy problem and get this structure up and running for good..."

In response to my words, I feel everyone's gaze focus on me as I continue, "I mean while the C.D.C. is now safe, I don't think it is going to be a good place to live in the long run. At least not like this."

Hearing that, Shane asks, "What do you mean by that?" but before I can answer, Dr. Jenner does it in my place, "It is very simple, we don't have enough resources like food and water to last us a long time, before long we will consume all of them and for sure it won't be safe to search around for those resources in the city. After all, the C.D.C. was never meant to be used as a long-term habitation."

In response to those words, Lori can't help but ask, "Will we be forced to leave? Then why are you guys working so hard to fix the energy problem?" to which I reply, "First of all, I do need the electrical energy to use the pieces of equipment so that I can see if my hypothesis for a cure is valid. Second, the building still needs to run not only for the safekeeping of the very dangerous pathogens that are contained, but also because if we leave the building in working condition then we can always return here and use it as a safe refuge in case something happens. After all, Dr. Jenner can register us so that Vi will let us inside and only us."

Dr. Jenner nods and says, "Indeed, that isn't a bad idea, after all, Vi does have control of the whole building." followed by Morgan who also agrees, "That's right. I don't know you guys, but considering the current situation, I like the idea of a safe place that can only be accessed by us." before he looks at me and asks, "But if we are going to leave this place, what is going to be our next destination?"

In response, I shrug my shoulders and say, "I have no idea, after all, I'm not from here... But I can give you a simple list of a few traits that I think are necessary for a more permanent residence. It should be somewhat close to the city and the C.D.C. to allow us to retreat here in case something happens. It should also be in a rural area, if possible one with many farms nearby so that we can produce our own food... in fact, I think that an abandoned farm is a good place to start building a more permanent residence."

At this point, Dale comments, "Well, if you want to find some farms, I think that we should head to Mert County. It is the closest rural area that is just a few miles east of Atlanta. There are only a few residential houses, as well as several large farms and fields there, there are also a lot of forests, rivers, and swamps so for sure we will be able to find something to eat there one way or another, a bit like the quarry..."

In response to Dale's suggestion, the people of the group start to discuss the pros and cons of heading there but from the tone of their discussion, it seems that there are more people in favor than against it, and those that are against are simply those that are afraid of change and want to remain here even if it means living underground in a building surrounded by rotting bodies.

While they are talking about the possibility of heading toward Mert Country, I let my mind wander as I compare what I know from the TV show to what Dale told us, 'Okay, from the way Dale talks about it, it looks like it is an area very close to Hershel's farm... maybe, there I will find a good abandoned farm where I can build a safe place for a new community... at least it should be better than the prison... More importantly, I can play Cupid and make it so that Glenn meets with Maggie.'

After lunch, we returned to the rooftop of the building and started to assemble the solar panels, starting by soldering solar cells together to form one panel with 108 solar cells forming one panel.

Then we moved on to install the back sheet which protects the bottom of the solar cell, install the glass front that allows light to filter through to the solar cells and provides a protective layer, seal a metal frame around the panel with silicon to fuse all of the layers together, and in the end install the junction box which protects the solar panel's electrical wires from damage.

After we have done all that, we carefully start to install the solar panels on the building, but while also make sure to not connect them to the electric system yet as we still have to do a few things to ensure that they work perfectly.

First of all, I start to assemble the solar battery after making sure that I have all the raw materials and essential components then I move on to manufacturing the electrode.

I begin the process with the production of anode and cathode electrodes by coating a copper foil with active electrode materials, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) for the cathode and graphite for the anode, or at least this should be the usual procedure, but with the knowledge I learned from Lordgenome, I now know that graphene is a much better material for the cathode.

Graphene batteries are much more conductive than their other counterparts, leading to faster charging in devices and EVs, increased battery capacity, and extended battery lifespans, moreover, graphene's sturdy structure also makes it a more reliable material than the others, lowering the risk of battery explosions and fires, because of that, I do not hesitate to change the lithium with it.

After that, I quickly start the cell assembly where the coated foils are then combined with separators, which prevent direct contact between the anode and cathode, and then roll together the electrodes and separators to form a jelly-roll structure.

Next, the jelly-roll structure is immersed in an electrolyte solution, made of a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent, this is done to help facilitate the flow of ions between the electrodes during charge and discharge cycles before the filled jelly roll is sealed inside a protective casing to prevent leaks and maintain safety.

In the end, after preparing enough cells they are assembled into a larger battery pack, and a Battery Management System (BMS) is integrated to monitor and control the battery's performance.

Once the first solar battery is completed, we repeat these steps a few more times assembling a few more solar batteries.

And then, I check everything one last time before I and the other start to connect the panels to one another and an inverter, before syncing the building's electrical system so energy goes toward our intended destination.

Then we move on to the last few things we have to do before the panels become fully functional.

We move on to install the external heat sink, which will reduce the heat that the panels generate and help increase energy efficiency.

Then we install the charge controller, which sends out electricity making sure to install it between the panel array and where the solar battery will go so that electricity can flow through the system and into the battery.

After that, we finally installed the solar battery so that any excess energy the system doesn't need right away can be stored in a battery bank for use during low-sun times, such as storms or nighttime, of course, before doing that I reminded Morgan and Jim to wire the batteries together before Dale and Dr. Jenner connect the batteries to the charge controller.

At this point, we install the power converter, after all, the power that comes out of your panels and batteries is direct current electricity while the building is powered with alternating current electricity, and the power converter is needed to turn a direct current into an alternating current to be used by the building's wiring.

Then it is time to install the energy meter, and while this isn't something that we actually need, I think it is still useful to have as with it we can see how much electricity the system is generating and how much of it we're using, a piece of information that could be very useful to know.

After that, I set up the electrical wiring and give a complete inspection of everything, double-checking all wiring before fully connecting the system to the building, ensuring that the system is grounded at the PV panels, after all, a single tiny mistake can have some very catastrophic consequences, especially considering just how many dangerous and deadly pathogens are contained inside the building.

Once I fully checked every single part of the system setup, I finally wired the power inverter directly into the electrical panel of the building following the blueprint of the building to make sure to connect not only the building but also the extensive area underground compromised of dormitories, labs, control rooms, storage areas and so on.

After that, I look at the people who helped me do all this and say, "Good, we were able to do everything in a single day of work and much faster than what I thought possible. Thank you for your help." before I sigh and add, "Unfortunately, it is now pretty late and the sky has already turned dark so we won't be able to see if the number of panels will be enough to produce enough electricity to power the whole building until tomorrow... but personally, I'm pretty confident of the fact that what we did will be more than enough."

Hearing that, Morgan smiles and comments, "I feel pretty confident too, even if our work is a little rough around the edges, but my personal experience tells me that it is still pretty solid." followed by Jim who agrees, "I feel the same... I mean, they aren't all that beautiful to look at, but we were very careful during each single step and Dr. Jayr checked and double checked everything."

At this point, Dale steps forward and say, "In any case, we have done everything we could and put our best effort. All we can do now is rest and wait for tomorrow to see if the fruits of our work are going to be sweet or bitter ones." followed by Dr. Jenner who agrees and suggest, "Mr. Dale is right. It is time to head back inside and enjoy a well deserved rest... becuase I don't know about you guys, but personally, I feel very tired."

Everyone quickly agrees with Dr. Jenner and so we walk back into the bulding where we join with the rest of the group and have dinner together.

After dinner, we all go to rest to prepare for tomorrow and as I lay on the bad, I look up and start to think, 'Tomorrow, after turning on the system I will have to focus on creating a cure for the Wildfire Virus... It shouldn't take too much time to have some result, but maybe it is better to ask Rick and the other to capture a few walkers for me... after all, I also need to test if my solution to take care of them will work...'