Power cell

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File:Dax and power cell.jpg

Jadzia Dax holding a depleted power cell

A power cell is the component, often removable or transportable, of a number of technological devices that supplies the energy necessary for the device to operate.

Power cells operate on both small and large scales. The phaser type-2 has a small, removable power cell which generates enough power to activate a transporter. (TNG: "The Hunted")

Data was also powered by power cells. When he seemed to be in a coma-like state in early 2368, his power cells were functioning properly and were not causing his unconsciousness. (TNG: "The Game")

Large power cells are used to supply power to phaser arrays on starships. The crew of the USS Defiant made a ritual of displaying depleted power cells during the Dominion War. (DS9: "A Time to Stand")

Since ship-mounted phasers have been mentioned to be tied in to ship's power, but also mentioned to need "recharging", it seems likely that the ship's power is used to charge the power cells, which are the source of the phaser's energy when they are discharged. The task or removing and replacing phaser power cells could explain the various personnel seen working in weapon rooms (TOS: "Balance of Terror"), but the fact that only one cell was discharged during after the "A Time to Stand" battle indicates that they have a considerable service lifetime, thus also explaining how phasers could be fired on automation by ships with skeleton crews (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock).

Power cells may be organic, as in the case of the Xindi-Reptilian biorifle. (ENT: "The Shipment")

Types of power cells

• Krellide power cell
• Tetryon power cell