Boulton and Watt engine
This steam engine was built in 1786 from a design by Scots-born
James Watt. It was used to pump water and grind barley at a brewery
in London until 1884. You can see the engine working every day.
James Watt did not invent the steam engine, but made a number of
innovations that improved its efficiency. This made it attractive
to factory and mine owners, who used it to power a wide range of
machinery.
Lift yourself
Come and try lifting yourself up in each of our three chairs.
Two of them use pulleys to take the hard work out of lifting. Which
is going to feel the easiest?
Generate
When you turn the handles on this exhibit you can generate
electricity to make the light bulbs, radio, fan and television
work.
All the generators are connected, so you can get more power by
working together with other people in the gallery.
Wind turbine
This Swift mini turbine generates electricity from wind for your
own home. Unlike oil, coal or natural gas, which will eventually
run out, wind power is a source of renewable or sustainable energy.
However, wind turbines have to be sited in windy areas and so
cannot replace coal or other non-renewables in every situation.
Wind power
Our full-sized, colourful model shows you how wind power works.
Press the button to make the wind blow and point it towards the
sails. When the wind blows, it pushes the sails around.
Energy from the moving sails can be turned into electricity to
switch on the lights. The harder the wind blows, the faster the
sails turn, producing more electricity.
World power: you're in charge
What would you do if you were in charge of meeting a country’s
growing energy needs? In our hands on game you can be the new
Energy Minister of Lectraland. Your challenge is to generate enough
energy to meet demands with a limited budget.
Your energy choices will depend on politics, local resources,
cost, and our need to limit damage to the natural environment.
You will have to decide where to put new power plants and
justify decisions that you have made. Be careful – a wrong decision
will mean you get fired.