This is an archive of the NMS website

Power Up

How did we power the past and how can we power our future?

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.