Designed in partnership by the Lorath Occhestian Caste's Energy Supply and Genetic Labs research and development branches the Bacterial Charge Pack is a product created through the genetic manipulation and research of a variety of bacterial strains native to Lor. The Charge Pack is intended as a renewable environmentally safe1) portable power source.
The Bacterial Charge Pack relies upon a genetically engineered and cultured strain of bacteria that has been produced solely for the purpose of functioning as an electrical energy producer. To this end, the mitochondria of each bacterial cell has been modified to produce an electrical charge as well as to coexist in large densely populated colonies to aid in the cultivation, harvest, and use in the charge pack itself. Each charge pack utilizes an array of microscopic electrodes to harness the energy produced by the bacteria which is then passed through a small transformer and into a storage cell. From there the useable energy is passed to any number of devices from small watches and personal phones, to large scale applications like computer networks or electric motors given the appropriate scale and infrastructure.
Fuel: For the purposes of efficiency the bacteria used have been engineered to subsist on the molecules found commonly within atmospheres considered breathable by carbon based oxygen breathing life, ensuring that the bacteria will thrive and produce power anywhere that a stable biosphere exists. In times where a greater charge is required, organic materials can be fed into the charge pack through a small input port, or in the case of large applications a large pipe or chute. For safety and ecological reasons, the bacteria have been designed not to feed on biological materials belonging to complex organisms. Despite this safety measure, it should be noted that bacterial charge packs can be fed with blood, as the bacteria will consume the rich organic materials as the cells die and begin to decay in the relatively inhospitable interior of the bacterial charge pack. As such the initial charge provided by the pack is typically attained by feeding it a drop of blood when other organic matter such as table scraps are unavailable.
Containment: When issued, the containment for the bacteria consists of a canister that contains the bacteria. Paired with this canister is a receptacle catheter that allows for material to be passed into the container when increased energy production is desired. An array of very fine filtered vents provide a flow of atmosphere for the bacteria to feed upon while ensuring that they remain within the canister. This airflow is augmented by small electrical fans fed by the power output of the bacterial charge pack.
Waste: Unused and waste gasses as a result of bacterial digestion and respiratory processes are filtered and the remnant is passed out of the canister through small pores on either end of the container. This filter requires periodic changing to ensure optimal function and health of the bacterial colony, with an estimated life of approximately one month. This can be done manually with little more than the user's hands and a spare filter or done automatically where appropriate infrastructure exists.