Harris Nuclear Power Plant Visitor Center — Phase 1 and 2
project type: fabrication , graphics , museums , prototypes
The visitor center at Harris Nuclear Power Plant has been a destination for many middle and high schoolers since the early 1990s when the original exhibits were installed by Design Dimension.
Recently, DDI was asked to re-envision a new program of exhibits for the center that would feature Progress Energy’s new renewable energy programs, a history of the company, and more interactive displays including a security exhibit, a scale model cooling tower and a display about electrical transmission.
To begin the overhaul, Design Dimension created a masterplan for creating new exhibits in two phases. This would allow the exhibit to remain open as new elements were installed.
Phase 1
The first new exhibit to be installed was the security interactive area. Here, kids learn about the both high and low tech ways that the security officers protect the plant from unauthorized entry. A large mural of the real entry checkpoint surrounds the walls while a car coming out of the wall allows kids to check the undercarriage for contraband. There is also a security control tower with flashing lights, horns and radio. Another radio on the security officer rail allows kids to talk to the control tower.
Also installed in Phase 1, ID kiosks in the lobby allow kids to create a personalized Power Plant play ID card with their own photo and name. An automated touchscreen system takes the photo, allows kids to type in their names, and choose a job title at the plant. The computer sends the information to a printer where the finished laminated is dispensed.
Phase 2
Phase 2 brought the remainder of the new exhibits on line. In the lobby, a timeline of historical milestones in the production of electricity is overlayed on the history of Progress Energy.
Adjacent to this exhibit is a display about the building of the Harris Plant. In addition to large mural images of the cooling tower and containment building under construction, the exhibit features a video of the containment dome being lifted into place, and a cutaway section of the containment building wall structure reused from the old exhibits.
The main exhibit gallery features a great new compliment of exhibits. Upon entering, visitors encounter two electricity production interactives. In one, which is revived from the old exhibit hall, kids turn hand cranks to light a bank of florescent light tubes on the wall. The harder they work together, the more lights will illuminate. Another interactive shows kids the inner workings of electricity production. This hand crank kiosk features a real dynamo mounted under an acrylic cover, with real electricity lighting a tiny LED bulb.
Production of electricity at the nuclear plant is described in a pushbutton interactive with illustrations, chasing lights and text. Here, visitors learn how the nuclear reaction is used to generate steam and how it is contained within three separate closed loop systems.
Transmission of electricity is detailed with a step by step depiction of the processes and equipment used to move electricity across long distances and then out to homes and businesses. Real power poles, transformers and insulators are on display here as well as a weatherhead and power meters.
A central focus of the room is a crawl in scale model of the cooling tower. This exhibit helps visitors understand the function of this tower, its simplicity and design. From inside, visitors can look up and see a projected image of clouds floating by in the sky above.
The last exhibits in this room feature Progress Energy’s environmental testing program and workplace safety protocols.
The last exhibits visitors encounter in the lobby describe the latest in renewable energy. Three interactive teach kids about solar, wind, and hydro power, while an interactive house details ways that people can save electricity and money.
In all, the success of these exhibits has been enhanced by the use of existing components where possible, and the addition of new components and technologies.