Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 473 Power Research Institute
At the entrance of the Power Institute, engineer Enuwa, director Rashid, and all members welcomed the Shah. This institution, which studies internal combustion engines and other vehicles, currently has 220 members and an annual budget of 300 million riyals, twice that of the Royal Society of London.

In addition, there are local military research institutes, an energy research institute in Baku, a physics research institute in Tehran, and a chemical research institute in Baghdad. Annual research funding is around 1500 million, with the royal family contributing half.

These research institutes offer very good benefits; even the lowest-ranking researcher receives an annual salary of 8000 riyals. There are also substantial perks for holidays each year. If you make a significant contribution, the Shah will personally award you a medal and a title, making you a nobleman. It's not hereditary, but it's still a huge elevation in status.

Nasser al-Din placed great importance on the then-nascent technology and actively courted foreign scientists. Although most were reluctant to leave their home countries, some intelligent but financially strapped individuals, seeing the favorable treatment offered by Iran, came to Iran and began their research.

The Shah also personally intervened in technological research and development, visiting any company that developed a new technology. He also personally met with the heads of important companies, encouraging them to develop better technological products and put them into use quickly. The First Industrial Revolution was led by Britain, while the Second was initiated by Iran.

"Director Rashid, I heard that your research has made progress."

Naserdin immediately inquired about the internal combustion engine and received an affirmative answer.

“Yes, Shah, please let Ainuwa introduce you.”

Enuar led Naserdin to the new achievement and introduced, "Shah, we have built this engine based on the Prussian four-stroke cycle theory. It has twice the power of the previous one. But it still can't compare to a steam engine."

Although the engine was built, many problems remained. For example, the cylinders lacked proper sealing, the valve structure affected efficiency, and the flame ignition method was prone to failure and inefficient. However, the fuel problem was solved—they discovered that gasoline combustion was more efficient than alcohol or natural gas.

The current output power of an internal combustion engine is only 6 horsepower, far lower than that of a steam engine. If these problems can be solved, the efficiency of the internal combustion engine can be at least doubled.

"We have ordered more sophisticated parts from the First Machinery Plant, but we don't have a better idea for the ignition method at the moment."

Naserdin had also considered this point; the ignition method for internal combustion engines should be electric spark plugs. At that time, battery and rubber ring technology were still quite primitive; historically, this would have taken 10 years to develop.

"Speaking of which, when I went to the power research institute before, a spark from a generator's wiring ignited the laboratory. I never imagined that electricity could be so powerful."

Nasser al-Din's sudden announcement of this to everyone was somewhat puzzling. But it also set Rashid's mind racing, because the Shah's words usually contained the key to solving the problem.

Besides internal combustion engines, the research institute also studies transportation vehicles, such as new types of bicycles.

In 1817, the German Karl Drais improved the bicycle in Paris, France, inventing a two-wheeled wooden bicycle with handlebars. This design quickly attracted widespread attention in Europe and became their preferred mode of transportation. Then, in 1839, the Englishman John Macmillan invented the pedal-powered bicycle, an innovation that eliminated the need for riders to push off the ground with their feet, significantly increasing speed.

Iran also began importing bicycles, and Nasser al-Din saw one for the first time at the Quresta Palace. However, it still needed improvement. Relying on his memory, he commissioned a research institute and machine shop to manufacture one, but this was a long and arduous process. After numerous trials and tribulations, a true bicycle was finally born. In high spirits, Nasser al-Din rode the bicycle twice around the research institute grounds. This astonished everyone, as none of them had even learned to ride a bicycle properly, yet the Shah had mastered it on the first try. Could this be considered a blessing from the Prophet?
The bicycle frame was changed to be made of steel tubing, and the wheels were replaced with steel rims and spokes, with the front and rear wheels being the same size to maintain balance. Of particular note was the adoption of pneumatic rubber tires, a groundbreaking development for the rubber industry.

Rubber is a unique product of South America, especially Brazil. Before the rubber industry was developed, Brazil established a rubber monopoly by leveraging its advantages. Obtaining rubber seeds from Brazil is extremely difficult; even Iran, which controls large tracts of tropical land, has to import them from Brazil.

"How much would this car cost if you wanted to sell it?"

"Based on current costs, one vehicle would cost approximately 600 riyals."

600 riyals, and that's with full-capacity production. Of course, prices will come down once large-scale factory construction begins, but raw material prices just won't come down, especially rubber.

“Shah, the main problem right now is that rubber prices are too high. It costs 15 riyals per pound. It would be great if prices could be lowered.”

Brazil, it seems we need to discuss business cooperation. Of course, more importantly, Iran needs to do what the British should be doing. It was the British who first brought rubber seeds to Southeast Asia, and subsequently, Southeast Asian rubber production surpassed that of Brazil.

"If production is possible, how many can be produced in a month?"

"If it goes into production, based on the current situation, we can produce 600 vehicles a month. Once the workers are more skilled, we can increase that to 4000."

Naserdin was somewhat dissatisfied with this output and needed to earn more revenue before other countries learned this technique. He estimated that exporting it could bring in a large sum of money.

"This needs to be produced as soon as possible. The royal family will cover the cost. It has to be done quickly."

Everyone readily agreed. Seeing that their objective for the day had been achieved, Naserdin encouraged everyone and left the research institute. It seemed the rubber industry needed to be established; otherwise, all that tropical land would be wasted.

Besides the research institute, Nasser al-Din also visited various places in Tabriz. Markets, military factories, train stations, universities—wherever he went, the Shah was met with cheers from the crowds.

Unlike those that are mobilized, these cheers come from the heart. Just as all things need the sun, without the Shah they would have no good days. Isn't that something to celebrate?
Mayor Mustafa of Tabriz also followed the Shah. As Amir's eldest son, he had previously traveled between Iran and Austria many times and had even attended a World Expo. Although his father had stepped down, he was still grateful for the Shah's care for their family.

Naserdin also talked to him a lot. If he had to summarize it in one sentence, it would be: Keep going, maybe you can also become your father.

(End of this chapter)