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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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.

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, 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 high pressure turbine, 500MW power generation unit no.3, designed and commissioned by the Central Electricity Generating Board, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.