A new interactive exhibit in the US is helping the public learn how hydropower works and why it remains a key source of clean electricity.
The exhibit, located in Heritage Park in Idaho Falls, was developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Idaho Falls Power with support from the US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office. The federal office contributed $75,000 toward the project, with Idaho Falls Power applying its turbine expertise to design and build the model.
The centerpiece of the installation is a scaled, working model of a hydroelectric dam that allows visitors to adjust water flow and see how electricity is generated.
“At INL, we wanted to create a family-friendly, fun and interactive exhibit that invites the public to explore and engage with science in a meaningful way,” said Shannon Bragg-Sitton, an associate laboratory director at INL. “We’re thrilled to be able to give back to our community and we’re grateful for the strong partnership we’ve built with Idaho Falls Power to make this possible.”
In Idaho Falls, hydropower supplies about one-third of the city’s electricity needs, with additional power purchased from the Bonneville Power Administration, which operates large hydroelectric facilities on the Columbia River system.
“We are fortunate to have INL next door, which allows us to tap into some of the brightest and most innovative research in the country,” said Sarah Wheeler, Idaho Falls Power’s external affairs manager. “Hydroelectricity is a major component of what powers the city of Idaho Falls, and we thought it would be great if we could create an interactive exhibit that shows how a run-of-river power dam works.”
The model was inspired by the Old Lower Power Plant on the nearby Snake River. Jason Cooper, Idaho Falls Power’s generation superintendent, collaborated with Bill McKellip, a design technician, to design the model. Cooper and his generation crew built the miniature powerhouse and dam structure, and the team collaborated with students at Brigham Young University-Idaho to 3D print a replica of the Old Lower Plant’s generator, which is visible through windows in the replica powerhouse.
