Waste To Watts
Landfill Energy Systems/Laser Display Associates
Wixom, Michigan
Electricity can be generated by burning gases that are byproducts of landfill management techniques. Waste To Watts, first opened at Cranbrook Institute of Science in 2004, was developed to encourage an awareness of the techniques and benefits of the technology.
The first of three exhibit areas focuses on different types of trash – glass, construction debris, yard waste, etc. – and recycling or landfill options.
An operable gantry crane is used to move garbage “pellets” to a conveyor that “deposits” them in the landfill in the second area. A 3-D cutaway model of a landfill includes the system of pipes used to collect the gas products.
A cluster of interactive exhibits in the third area asks visitors to choose what to do with the landfill gas—do nothing, burn it off, or generate electricity. A model “powerhouse” demonstrates the effects. A hand cranked generator is a reminder of how hard it is to light a light bulb.
The design of this traveling exhibit includes features insuring ease of installation and dismantling.
Landfill Energy Systems hired Laser Display Associates to develop and produce the exhibition. Hutchinson Studios was retained to provide exhibit design and project management services.
2004
