In the series, the Avendahl has been refitted with a large-scale ZPED while the Alliance uses smaller, mini-ZPEDs in the Sol Sector when not employing antimatter reactors. But, would a ship such as the Aurora work better with one large-scale ZPED or several mini-ZPEDs working in tandem? And what kind of shielding would be necessary to prevent the ZPED/mini-ZPEDs from interfering with the jump drive? Would the compartment holding the ZPED/mini-ZPEDs have to be encased and sealed shut or would the compartment have hatches to make it accessible for maintenance on the ZPED/mini-ZPEDs? How thick would the shielding have to be? Would the compartment need to be positioned close to the exterior of the ship in case it needs to be jettisoned in the event of impending overload?
Actually, the only mini-jump drive that used a mini ZPED was the one that Lieutenant Montgomery made for a shuttle to get back to the PC quickly. Everything else using mini jump drives has been using fusion reactors, hence the limited range.
The reason they are not being used in small ships is because of the need for shielding. The systems and shielding required are space prohibitive. That's also why several smaller ZPEDs are not used in place of larger ones. A larger ZPED yields more energy per sq meter of space (all systems and shielding included) than smaller ZPEDs.
ZPEDs to not overload. They simply collapse and switch off. Restarting them is a complex process that requires considerable energy from yet another power source. So, no need to be able to jettison them like antimatter reactors.
But, a ship about the size of the Aurora or possibly as small as a frigate could conceivably use the smaller ZPEDs to assist in recharging its energy banks more quickly as long as their output was reduced to a low level before a jump was initiated, correct? I believe the Aurora did something along those lines in Episode 7 while testing the hybrid jump drive concept.
Also since full-scale ZPEDs are space prohibitive and I assume therefore restricted to larger vessels such as the Avendahl, could the Jung battleship captured by the Alliance receive one?
