There is inconsistent pluralisation when designing a new component in the "create research project" window. In the drop down menu you can choose the component type, where you can design new "Shield Generators" (plural), but also design a new "Railgun" (singular). For consistency these should either be all plural or all singular. I prefer all singular since you are designing only one shield generator and you then put many of them into your ships. I. e. in that list change Lasers -> Laser, Thermal Sensors -> Thermal Sensor, Engines -> Engine etc.