Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 174: Visiting a New Coal Power Plant

Cordemais, Pays de la Loire, December 1835

The automobile slowed as it approached the facility.

The plant stood ahead along the riverbank, large but contained. Brick walls reinforced with iron beams. Four stacks rose above the structure, but none were active. No smoke. No movement from the chimneys.

Napoleon II watched it in silence.

Beside him, Marcel Giroux held a thick folder, edges worn from repeated handling.

"This is the final inspection before activation, Sire," Giroux said. "All systems have been tested individually. Today we confirm integrated operation."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"Then we verify everything."

The automobile rolled through the gate and came to a stop near the main entrance. Workers were already lined along the approach, not in ceremony, but in position. Engineers, operators, maintenance crews—each assigned to a section.

Napoleon II stepped out.

The chief engineer approached, removing his cap.

"Sire. The plant is prepared for full activation."

Napoleon II looked past him, scanning the structure.

"Start with specifications. I want the entire system explained before anything moves."

The engineer gestured toward the entrance.

They stepped inside.

The intake section came first.

Coal carts stood ready along the loading line, each filled and staged for immediate feed. The conveyor system ran along a fixed track toward the furnace hall, idle but aligned.

Napoleon II stopped near the feed mechanism.

"Capacity," he said.

The engineer answered without hesitation.

"The plant is designed for a continuous input of 1,200 metric tons of coal per day, Sire. At full load, that sustains maximum output for all furnace lines without interruption."

Napoleon II glanced at Giroux.

"And reserves?"

"Three days stored on-site," Giroux replied. "Additional shipments arrive daily through the Loire."

Napoleon II nodded.

"No interruption in supply."

"None planned."

They moved forward.

The furnace hall opened ahead.

Eight primary furnace units lined the structure, each reinforced with layered firebrick and iron casing. The doors were sealed. No light escaped. No heat yet.

Workers stood beside each unit, hands near the controls.

Napoleon II stepped closer to one of the chambers.

"Operating temperature."

"Between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees Celsius during full burn," the engineer said. "Each unit is calibrated to maintain stable combustion without excessive fuel loss."

Napoleon II placed his hand near the outer frame. Cold metal.

"Efficiency rate?"

"Approximately sixty-five percent thermal efficiency from combustion to steam conversion."

Napoleon II ’s gaze shifted along the row.

"And total heat output?"

Giroux opened the folder and read.

"Combined thermal output is rated at 320 megawatts equivalent, Sire."

Napoleon II gave a small nod.

"Continue."

They moved into the steam section.

Large reinforced pipes ran across the ceiling and along the walls. Every joint sealed. Every valve marked. Gauges were installed at regular intervals.

All needles sat at zero.

Napoleon II stopped beside one.

"Maximum pressure."

"Operating pressure is set at 180 bar," the engineer replied. "The system can tolerate up to 240 before structural risk begins."

Napoleon II studied the gauge.

"And safety?"

"Automatic release valves installed at each segment. Manual override at all control points."

Napoleon II nodded.

"No tolerance for failure here."

"No, Sire."

They reached the turbine hall.

Three primary turbine units stood aligned along the center, each connected to its own generator assembly. The machines were large, fixed to reinforced foundations.

They were silent.

Napoleon II walked closer.

"Output per unit."

"Each turbine produces approximately 100 megawatts at full load," Giroux said. "Combined output reaches 300 megawatts continuous."

Napoleon II looked at the central shaft.

"Rotation speed."

"Three thousand revolutions per minute under full pressure."

Napoleon II gave a faint breath.

"And stability?"

"Tested under load conditions yesterday. No imbalance detected."

Napoleon II stepped back slightly.

"And distribution?"

Giroux answered.

"Transmission lines extend across the Loire region. Initial coverage includes Nantes and surrounding industrial zones. Expansion lines are already planned."

Napoleon II nodded.

They moved to the control section.

Operators stood at their stations, each assigned to a panel. Switches, levers, and gauges covered the boards in ordered layout.

Napoleon II faced them.

"Walk me through the full sequence."

The chief engineer stepped forward.

"We begin with coal feed to establish combustion. Once furnace temperatures stabilize, we initiate water feed into the boiler system. Steam pressure builds gradually. When pressure reaches operational level, we open the primary valves and engage the turbines in sequence."

Napoleon II listened without interruption.

"And total time to full output?"

"Approximately fifty minutes, Sire, assuming no deviation."

Napoleon II looked at Giroux.

"And if something goes wrong?"

Giroux answered directly.

"We shut down the affected section immediately. The system is compartmentalized to prevent full failure."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"Good. Now we see if it works as designed."

He stepped back from the panel.

"Begin activation."

The engineer turned.

"Start coal feed."

The conveyors engaged with a steady mechanical motion. Coal began moving along the tracks, feeding into the furnace lines.

Workers adjusted the flow as it entered each chamber.

"Begin ignition."

The furnace doors opened briefly. Controlled ignition systems engaged. Light appeared inside the chambers, faint at first, then growing as combustion took hold.

The doors sealed again.

Napoleon II watched the gauges.

Temperature readings began to rise.

Slow.

Then steady.

"Report temperature increase," he said.

"Climbing within expected range," an operator answered. "No deviation."

Napoleon II ’s eyes moved across the panels.

"All units consistent."

"Proceed to steam phase."

Water feed began.

The sound changed.

A low pressure built within the pipes as steam formed and moved through the system. Gauges shifted upward, each one rising in controlled increments.

"Pressure at 60 bar... 90... 120..."

Napoleon II did not move.

"Stabilize at operational threshold."

"Pressure holding at 180 bar."

The engineer looked toward Napoleon II .

"Ready for turbine engagement."

Napoleon II gave a small nod.

"Do it."

The first turbine engaged.

The rotation began slowly, the shaft turning under initial pressure. Then it accelerated as steam flow increased.

The second followed.

Then the third.

The hall filled with a steady mechanical rhythm as the system synchronized.

Napoleon II watched the output gauges.

"Power generation?"

"Climbing... 120 megawatts... 200... approaching full output."

He looked at Giroux.

"Any fluctuation?"

"None."

The readings stabilized.

"300 megawatts achieved," the operator said.

Napoleon II remained still for a moment.

Everything held.

No alarms. No irregular movement. No pressure spikes.

The system was working.