Battersea Power Station - The Chimney Lift
The Battersea Power Station Model is an interactive exhibit that demonstrates the operational principles of Battersea Power Station — from loading coal to generating power, displayed via a synchroscope that controls a chandelier mounted above the model.
The exhibit consists of the following components:
A 3D-printed coal boat, set within a resin-cast model of the Thames, featuring an actuating coal-lifting and lowering mechanism.
An operating crane with 180° rotational movement and a bucket lift/lower mechanism, mounted on a 3D-printed pier embedded in the resin base.
A conveyor system, driven by an undermounted motor, with permanently attached coal pieces that transport coal into the building.
A clear acrylic pipe network, through which oil is pumped to simulate the visual effect of water flow.
A boiler assembly incorporating an LED pixel panel, a speaker, and a servo-driven pressure gauge.
A turbine unit with 3D-printed blades housed in clear acrylic, powered by an undermounted motor.
A synchroscope, programmed with a mini game requiring users to align its dials.
A 3D-printed scale model of Battersea Power Station, including its towers, chimneys, and walls.
Green LED indicators highlight the interactive element currently active for user engagement.
The user begins by using the crane to pick up a piece of coal and drop it into the conveyor bucket. The conveyor then transports the coal into the building, causing the boiler to begin glowing. Once the coal is delivered, the user turns the handle to activate the water system. As the handle turns, oil begins to circulate through the clear pipes, simulating water flow into the building, and the turbine starts to rotate.
As both the conveyor and water systems operate, the boiler pressure gauge rises, and the boiler glows more intensely. The user adjusts the handle to bring the pressure into the green zone. When the boiler pressure is stable and within range, the turbine spins at the correct speed, allowing the user to press the green button, which activates the synchroscope.
When the synchroscope is active, the right-hand gauge oscillates from left to right. The user turns the wheel to raise the left-hand gauge to the centre and maintains it within the green zone. Once both needles are aligned and steady in the green zone, the red button illuminates. Pressing the red button triggers the chandelier to light up, symbolizing the successful generation and transmission of power.