They only work on the Resource Ship/ Resource Base.
The description says something about them being a plug-in module.
The way it works is that the Resource ship/base hull has giant ramscoops to collect gas, which the plug-ins convert to minerals/organics/radioactives.
So, just put them on a resource ship, and you'll be all set.
Note that the resource production listed is affected by your maintenance trait, so it will not be totally accurate.
BTW, I highly suggest using resource ships as warships early on... They have about the same space (after required comps) as an escort, and they pay for themselves
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[This message has been edited by suicide_junkie (edited 15 May 2001).]