6.1 Utilities

The Deep Space 9 internal utilities distribution infrastructure consists of specific parallel systems involved in channeling matter, energy, and data throughout the station. The utilities distribution networks include the following:

• Power. Power for onboard systems is distributed by four stages of magnetically shielded transmission waveguides known as the electroplasma system (EPS). All power originates from the fusion reaction chambers and auxiliary fusion reactors and is moved by peristaltic field effect through step-down conduits (see 5.3).
• Optical data network (ODN). The Deep Space 9 ODN system consists of a combination of Cardassian and Starfleet optronic fiber runs connecting Starfleet, Cardassian, and Bajoran networked computer systems, as well as commercial subscriber optronic systems. Some 13,655 ODN bundles totaling an estimated 67,900 kilometers of fibers are distributed throughout the station, backed up by 1,300 kilometers of superconducting control cabling. The ODN network is critical to all primary station systems and is partitioned into protected security access levels.
• Gravity generation. The network of graviton-producing mats is spread throughout the station, with power flow provided by the EPS grid. Graviton field energy is divertable back through the power grid to even out perceived surface accelerations in areas of decreased device efficiency.
• Atmospheric breathing gases. Conduit bundles for breathing gases and research gas supplies are part of the overall station consumables network. In some cases, a single conduit can carry up to five related gases simultaneously, provided that condenser/separator units are installed at both ends. Dedicated lines are provided for oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, xenon, and argon, with optronically tripped diverter valves and storage-tank valves cut into the lines at regular intervals.
• Potable fluids. Transfer lines for most potable and research fluids follow the same general plan as those for breathing gases, given that most fluids and gases stored aboard Deep Space 9 are not corrosive beyond SFRA standard 34.2 d-g. Peristaltic mag-pumps, diverter valves, relief valves, and pressure and temperature sensors are installed at regular intervals along the network.
• Solid waste disposal. The original Terok Nor solids processing system consisted of individual desiccation and ultrasonic dry waste breakdown units, each connected to a return airflow network carrying powdered materials to the Lower Core for separation and recycling. This system is now supplemented by a series of six centralized liquid-assist breakdown units provided by Starfleet.
• Replicator conduits. Unprocessed fiber and nutrient mixtures, plus potable fluids and trace chemicals, are supplied to all station replicator intermediate step tanks through vanicrom-lined stainless steel and duranium conduits, plus stage-4 micro-EPS lines for replicator power.
• Cryogenic fluid transfer. Cryogenic liquids for station operations and research are transferred through short-run conduits, with optronically triggered diverter and pressure-relief valves at secured control stations. No stationwide cryogenics are available; supplies must be escorted by cargo processing staff members from storage to experiment or engineering work site.
• Deuterium fuel transfer. Multiple-wall insulated supply conduits provide slush deuterium to the main fusion generator system as well as all other smaller fusion reactors aboard the station, including the RCS thrusters.
• Turbolift personnel transport system. The personnel and cargo turbolift network runs along 9.54 kilometers of tube pathways in horizontal, vertical, and angled orientations. The turbolift paths echo many of the other utilities conduits, particularly the EPS, ODN, and atmospheric flow networks.
• Access tunnels. These service crawlways, similar in size and function to Starfleet Jefferies tubes, run perpendicular to most station corridors and run adjacent to station internal walls containing end-user resident utilities connections, as well as adjacent to deep industrial utilities junctions.
• Auxiliary fusion generators. The Starfleet-installed fusion generators are tied into both the primary and emergency EPS conduits and receive deuterium from the fuel transfer network. These generators are approximately one-sixth the size and power output of the standard impulse power plants found on most Starfleet vessels.