Control desk and associated operating equipment for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Control desk unit for coal mill and oil burners, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Cottam Power Station Control Desk
Cottam Power Station Control Desk
Control desk unit, to regulate load, drain valves and boiler main fans, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Control desk central monitor unit, with switches to control superheating, radio base, electronic log on central screen, response buttons for alarm panels, coal mill hazard alarm and emissions monitoring screens, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Control desk unit, regulating turbine speed, auxiliary electrical systems and substation breaker, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Control desk unit to regulate boiler feedwater pumps, condensate and vacuum systems, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, with soot blower controls, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, with air heater switches and furnace cameras, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, showing conditions in coal (pulverised fuel) mill ‘A’, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, showing conditions in coal mill (pulverised fuel) ‘B’, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, showing conditions in coal mill (pulverised fuel) ‘C’, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, showing conditions in coal mill (pulverised fuel) ‘D’, boiler circulating pumps and oil status for barring over turbine, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Central instrument panel showing steam temperatures throughout unit, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Instrument panel for monitoring alternator, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Instrument panel for monitoring water levels and chemistry in boiler, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Instrument panel for boiler feed pumps, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Instrument panel for condensate system, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Instrument panel for turbines, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel for high pressure turbine, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Instrument panel, primarily for condensate and high pressure heaters, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Power Station Control Desk
Alarm fascia, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Alarm fascia, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Central alarm fascia, showing unit output level, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London
Power Station Control Desk
Power Station Control Desk
Alarm fascia, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Alarm fascia, for 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Quarter section of the lighting fixture with 3 circular holes for lights with "4C" and "4D" indicating placement written on the inside, for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Quarter section of the lighting fixture with 3 circular holes for lights with "4B" and "4D" indicating placement written on the inside, for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Quarter section of the lighting fixture with 3 circular holes for lights with "4A" and "4C" indicating placement written on the inside, for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Quarter section of the lighting fixture with 2 circular holes for lights and a cutout for structural beam with "4A" and "4B" indicating placement written on the inside, for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
2 metal magenetic blanking plates, 11 circular ceiling lights, 3 baton ceiling lights, a black metal rectangular frame, a white crescent shaped strcutral beam for the baton lighting, and a grey box full of fixings for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
Ceiling fan and central fascia board for lighting fixture, 4 rectangular sections of metal ranging in size labelled "Desk 1 Desk ", "Desk 3 Desk 4", "Desk 4 Desk 5", "Desk 2 Desk 3" indicating fixing position, a bundle of grey metal slats, and 8 painted metal triangular components bundled into groups of two, also labelled to indicate positioning, and a textured black metal floor board and a "DEFETECTED" white and red plaque for 500MW power generation unit designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
11 painted metal fascia boards, each one labelled to inidcate position and orientation for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
"O2 Optimisation" button and two blanking panels for 500MW power generation unit, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board from George Kent Limited, Luton, for Cottam power station, Nottinghamshire, 1968.
More
This desk represents the giant national-level technology projects undertaken in Britain in the postwar period, and the ultimate development of the coal-fired thermal power station in the UK. Cottam was one of fifteen generating stations using standardised 500MW and then 660MW power units, which met the lion’s share of Britain’s energy needs for almost half a century. The desk comprises a central control unit with an alarm fascia above, and a horse-shoe shaped instrumentation panel around. Its design harnessed ergonomics, engineering, scientific precision and a novel operating system, employing automation to support the operator’s human ability and allowing the safe, efficient control of power generation on an unprecedented scale.
This image is released under a 
