From Robinson Crusoe

After a whole rainy season, some water inevitably accumulated in the foundation pit.

After the rain shelter covering the foundation pit was removed, the insects that lived in the dark and damp environment scattered and fled.

On Sunday, under the direction of the indigenous people, all the water-soaked timber was moved to one place.

After drying, this wood will be used as fuel.

Insects inside the pit would occasionally climb up the earthen walls. Fearing that there might be poisonous insects among them, Chen Zhou gave an order in advance to "kill them all without mercy".

On Sunday, while directing the work, I was also swatting insects with a shovel. The work wasn't tiring, but I was still extremely busy.

……

Moving, tidying up the old house, dismantling rain shelters, sorting timber...

Even with a large number of people, all of whom were young and able-bodied, it still took them a whole day to finish all the work.

While the indigenous people work on Sundays, they are cleaning on Saturdays.

Chen Zhou then brought his precious photovoltaic panels and energy storage batteries to the sunny hillside.

With the instruction manuals for the photovoltaic panels and energy storage batteries tucked in his pocket, Chen Zhou didn't rush to connect the photovoltaic panels to the energy storage batteries after arriving at the flat hillside. Instead, he started to study the manuals at the last minute.

Although he had read the instruction manual countless times and was already certain that the photovoltaic panels and energy storage batteries were perfectly compatible.

But he still dared not be careless when faced with the key item that would allow him to enter the electrical age.

……

During the dry season, the island's intense sunshine shines on the bare factory site, making the whole world appear white and radiating heat.

When the thin paper of the instruction manual is exposed to sunlight, it becomes almost translucent, allowing the text on the back to be seen from the front.

Wearing a straw hat, Chen Zhou squinted and carefully read through the two instruction manuals from beginning to end. Only after mastering all the details and the installation steps did he officially begin.

To allow the photovoltaic panels to receive more sunlight, Chen Zhou specially customized a wooden support for them.

According to the instruction manual, the optimal tilt angle for photovoltaic panels is the local latitude plus 5° to 10°. If the latitude is between 0° and 25°, then the panels can be installed according to the latitude itself.

Chen Zhou didn't know the exact latitude of the island, but judging from the climate, he estimated that it was not far from the equator, between 0° and 20°.

Therefore, the bracket he made had an inclination angle of only about 20°.

If the photovoltaic panels and energy storage batteries work properly, Chen Zhou will observe the energy output efficiency of the photovoltaic panels for a period of time before adjusting the bracket angle.

……

Taking out nails, a hammer, and angle irons to reinforce the corners of the wooden frame from the toolbox, Chen Zhou skillfully assembled the wooden frame.

He then moved the individual photovoltaic panel and placed it into the groove reserved in the middle of the wooden frame.

After placing the photovoltaic panels, Chen Zhou pushed the wooden frame, and seeing that it didn't budge, he moved the energy storage battery under the frame and connected it to the photovoltaic panels.

After plugging in the DC charging port, Chen Zhou squatted down and hid in the shadow cast by the photovoltaic panel, quietly waiting for the changes on the energy storage battery display screen.

……

Perhaps it was because he hadn't charged the battery in a long time, or perhaps the photovoltaic panels were too inefficient, but Chen Zhou's first wait was particularly agonizing.

At first, he was able to keep his patience and check the monitor every fifteen minutes.

He became increasingly anxious, even suspecting that the solar panels were damaged or that the two were incompatible. He became so anxious that he checked his watch every five minutes.

The second hand moved slowly, and although he was hidden, beads of sweat appeared on Chen Zhou's short hair.

The long wait and anticipation of more than half a month felt like a bubble that was about to burst before his eyes.

Fortunately, the small icon indicating that the battery was charging was still flashing slightly on the display screen, which gave Chen Zhou great comfort.

As long as the energy storage battery is not damaged, it means that it is in the charging state, at most it just charges a little slower.

……

Finally, after waiting for an hour, the numbers on the energy storage battery display changed, jumping from 59 to 60.

Chen Zhou was observing the display screen at the time, and the moment he saw the number change to 60, he almost jumped up with joy.

No matter how slow the charging speed is, as long as the photovoltaic panel can charge the energy storage battery, he can use all electrical appliances before the energy storage battery is damaged.

As a result, many mechanical parts that were previously impossible to manufacture will no longer be just a pipe dream.

The dust blower, pointer torque wrench, test pen, oil filter wrench, LED high-intensity light, and oil seal hook in that auto repair metal tool cart, as well as the small electric furnace, infrared thermometer, small hydraulic press, electric welding machine, electric blower, and angle grinder in the metalworker's toolbox, were all powered.

Even if all the energy storage batteries are fully charged, they will only be able to support their operation for less than 24 hours, but that is enough.

With electricity, many of the problems that used to bother Chen Zhou could be easily solved.

For example, the challenges that need to be overcome in the process of manually developing a twin-cylinder engine—

The precision issues arising from dual-cylinder synchronization and steam distribution timing control. Previously, only manual forging could be used, and even with precise measurements using calipers and measuring tapes, it was impossible to guarantee that the hand-forged parts would perfectly match the dimensions.

Now, you can use an angle grinder to cut directly, which is both convenient and precise. If all else fails, you can cut first and then grind it, which always allows you to control the precision.

There are also issues with cylinder sealing and crankshaft concentricity.

In the past, steel could not be processed, and hand forging was prone to producing pores and cracks, which posed a challenge to the material's pressure resistance. Now, with angle grinders and welding machines, things are different. Modern steel cylinders have absolutely reliable high-temperature and high-pressure resistance.

If the crankshaft concentricity is determined by hand drilling, axial deviation is likely to occur. Chen Zhou plans to modify the angle grinder slightly to make it into a small electric drill for drilling.

The precision issue of bearings is also easy to solve.

Bearings can be removed from the anniversary gift package and some metal products that were sent before. He just needs to select bearings of suitable size and specifications and then customize crankshafts for them.

Of course, it would be even better if the subsequent rewards included a batch of bearings, which would allow for more flexible design of the steam engine's dimensions.

As for the gap between the cylinder bore and the piston, Chen Zhou didn't have a good solution.

With a precision of ≤0.05mm, he can only try to polish it by hand. Whether he can succeed depends on his skills.

The contact surface between the spool valve and the valve seat also relies on manual work, and its flatness must be ≤0.02mm, which is also a considerable challenge for Chen Zhou.

In addition, there are issues related to boiler welding and pipe connections.

He only has a regular electric welding machine, not an argon arc welding machine which is more effective at welding steel and copper. He doesn't know if it can guarantee the boiler's sealing.

The pipe connection required bending copper pipes, and with a large quantity of brass delivered as a mysterious reward, he had no shortage of copper.

However, Chen Zhou did not have any copper pipes. He wanted to melt a batch of brass directly in an electric furnace and then cast copper pipes of a specific shape. Although this was troublesome, it was quite feasible.

Finally, there are still issues regarding power transmission and energy loss.

For example, the symmetrical weight distribution of a twin-cylinder flywheel and the frictional losses in the lubrication system are relatively minor issues compared to other problems, such as energy loss.

Chen Zhou was well aware that the steam engine he manufactured was only for driving machines, not for powering locomotives or ships. If the energy loss was a little high, he could simply add more fuel, as long as it could work normally.

In addition, there are safety concerns regarding high-pressure steam leakage.

Chen Zhou wasn't too worried about this. His handmade boiler might be poorly made, but the materials came from the 21st century. As long as he calculated carefully and controlled the maximum pressure when designing the double-cylinder steam boiler, it wouldn't explode.

As for the safety valve, Chen Zhou had already come up with a design plan. Although it wasn't safe enough, it was sufficient for emergency pressure relief.

……

Before electricity, making a steam engine by hand was an incredibly difficult task.

With the advent of electricity, the creation of a steam engine became entirely feasible.

Once the first steam engine powered by firewood and charcoal is manufactured and equipped with a steam-powered lathe, the island's production capacity will reach a new level.

At least Chen Zhou no longer has to painstakingly melt and cast lead plates to assemble bullets one by one.

Mass-produced gun parts and bullet production machines with power sources will add endless war potential to this unassuming island. If we think even further and bolder, 20th-century steamships could appear in the world 300 years earlier.

When the Dutch, Spanish, and British of the same era all used sail power, if there were a ship that could roam the world without the help of wind, wouldn't it be able to conquer the world at will...?

……

Squatting under the wooden frame, staring at the flashing charging icon on the energy storage battery display screen, Chen Zhou couldn't help but grin foolishly at the thought of his infinitely bright future.

He knew very well that he was fantasizing, but probably no man could resist such a fantasy.

Even if we take a step back and assume he can't even make a steam engine by hand and can only use electricity, this energy storage battery can still bring many conveniences.

At least the razor, high-powered flashlight, LED light, and even the two useless things, electronic fish and electronic cigarette, can all be used normally.

Chen Zhou even considered the possibility of receiving a computer as a mystery reward.

He now owns a graphics card.

He once owned a mechanical keyboard.

Unfortunately, he had already disassembled the keyboard into parts, and the plastic panels had been sawed off and used in firearms; otherwise, he might have been able to complete another piece of the "computer" puzzle.

……

People are happy when they are happy.

After verifying the photovoltaic panels and energy storage batteries, Chen Zhou's joy was palpable.

To celebrate this truly joyous occasion, the day after the natives finished their work, he returned to the cave dwelling and retrieved the gift box of Jinhua ham from the storage room.

……

As a "rare commodity" from modern times, Chen Zhou had been reluctant to eat this ham.

He only secretly cut off a few slices to enjoy on his birthday in 1662. Apart from being lucky enough to get two slices of ham on Saturdays and Sundays, the other natives didn't even know that this food existed on the island.

This time, Chen Zhou, who is usually very stingy when it comes to food, was unusually generous.

On the evening of April 18, the indigenous people finished get off work early and held a bonfire feast next to the foundation pit where the factory was being built.

……

Flames from the burning firewood shot into the sky, illuminating everyone's faces.

Grilled fish, grilled lamb, grilled frog, grilled bird...

The ingredients, coated with oil and sprinkled with salt, exude a wonderful aroma.

Under the cover of night, witnessed by the stars and moon, everyone, including the herding natives, gathered together.

Lamb bones were simmering in the pot, and the aroma of scallions, garlic, and chili peppers filled the air.

Some indigenous people were pounding garlic, some were showing off their "cooking skills," and others were intently watching the large fish roasting over the fire, afraid it would overcook.

Chen Zhou and Sunday sat in chairs, taking tender "beggar's lobster meat" from the table while sipping cool milk lemon juice and playing chess.

……

The unstable flame caused the chessboard to fall into complex changes of light and dark.

On Sunday, he had no appetite for food, his eyes were fixed on the chessboard, he would pick up a piece and put it down again and again, scratch his head, and he seemed very nervous.

He and Chen Zhou weren't playing the simple game of Gomoku, but rather a more strategic game of Chinese chess.

The rules of chess are much more complex than those of Gomoku, and there are many more factors to calculate when playing.

But for Sunday, chess, with its diverse professions and subtle hints of killing intent, was clearly more to his liking.

After learning to play chess from Chen Zhou, he often challenged the locals to a game.

However, the natives were no match for him at all. Even the horse and elephant couldn't figure out how to move. Bullying the natives was like bullying children, and there was no sense of accomplishment in it.

Then Sunday became Saturday.

Saturday's chess skills are naturally far superior to the natives', and he can fight to a standstill with Sunday.

But there are too many things to do on Saturdays, so if I want to play chess with him, I have to wait until he's free. Otherwise, if I delay the "god's" important business on Saturday, I can't afford to do it on Sunday.

……

Tonight's banquet is a rare moment of leisure for everyone.

Chen Zhou happened to see Sunday forcibly playing chess with a poor herding native, and then, with a wicked sense of humor, captured all of Sunday's pieces except for a single king. Chen Zhou then invited Sunday to play chess.

The two set up a chessboard by the campfire and stayed there for more than two hours.

On Sundays, when he rarely encounters a worthy opponent, he suddenly runs into Chen Zhou, the "number one chess king in the neighborhood," and loses twelve games in a row, just like Chen Zhou bullies the locals.

He was not one to give up easily. Even when facing an opponent as powerful and invincible as the "God," he remained resilient and became stronger with each setback.

However, the gap between Chen Zhou and him in chess skills was simply too great.

Chen Zhou started playing chess at the age of five. During summer and winter vacations at school, he often played chess with his father and several familiar chess players.

When he was a teenager, his father was no match for him. Even if he gave his father a horse and a cannon, he could still defeat his father by going all out.

After entering university, Chen Zhou joined one of the few clubs, which was the chess club.

There, Chen Zhou competed against chess enthusiasts from all over the country.

According to a chess master he met, when he was in good form, his skill level was close to that of a local master. Although he was at the bottom among professional chess players, he could easily handle some ordinary amateur masters.

I had only been playing chess for less than two months when I encountered a monster like Chen Zhou on Sunday, and I couldn't defeat him no matter how hard I tried.

Of the twelve games he played against Chen Zhou, the fastest he lost was in a game that lasted less than four minutes. In the other games, it depended on how fast or slow Chen Zhou could capture the pieces.

If Chen Zhou focuses on eating, he will lose more slowly; if he focuses on the chessboard, he won't last more than a few moves.

……

Finally, after Chen Zhou drank the last sip of milk and lemon juice, Sunday's game of chess was lost again.

"Shall we continue?" Chen Zhou asked.

Sunday did not answer; the old general, trapped by the "Two Horses Drinking from the Spring" formation, had no light in his eyes.

He felt as if his confidence had been trampled by ten thousand bulls, leaving him in complete disarray.

Even the bravest person would not be able to stubbornly challenge such an opponent repeatedly, and it was already clear on Sunday that "God" was getting bored with playing chess.

"Yes, just like when I play chess with others, it's no fun if I always win so easily."

Thinking this on Sunday, he shook his head in reply.

"I'm not logging off anymore. I'll go back and think it over before logging off again."

Then, he gathered up the chess pieces on the table, his lips pressed tightly together.

Chen Zhou could see that he had lost in a very humiliating way, yet he was unwilling to accept being repeatedly defeated and losing in such a undignified manner.

He picked up a piece of lobster meat and put it in his mouth. He stood up, patted Sunday on the shoulder, casually tossed out a sentence, and walked toward the campfire where the seafood was being grilled.

……

Upon hearing those words, Sunday paused in his tidying up of the chess pieces, feeling that the "god" had a particularly unique aura when he spoke.

Even as Chen Zhou walked to the campfire and received the grilled fish from the native, that simple phrase still echoed in his mind—

"Want to learn? I'll teach you!" (End of Chapter)