Energy Factory

Imagination Station’s newest learning world offers visitors a glimpse into the abstract world of oil refining and solar energy. Using dozens of visually stimulating hands-on exhibits and personalized opportunities to contribute, Energy Factory is a 6,000 square-foot permanent exhibit presented by BP and First Solar.

On average, Americans use three gallons of oil and natural gas per day, as gasoline, petroleum-derived energy or hydrocarbon-based products such as plastics, fertilizers and synthetic fibers. This clear necessity for petroleum-based products often leaves many to wonder how “it” or “they” are made.

Upon entering Energy Factory, visitors are thrust into the world of oil refining with the Ball Refinery; a scaled down, kid-friendly version of the real thing. Visitors feed the refinery with a variety of colored balls, which are then separated into various ‘distillates’ to be used to make different products.

Visitors can explore the Story Wall, which uses vivid animations and explanations to tell the story of oil processing through interactive technology.

The solar exhibits in Energy Factory is located against the picturesque backdrop of the Maumee River, which sees a tremendous amount of sunlight, lends itself well to this portion of the exhibit.

Our new Photovoltaic Wall, derived from 2 words ‘photo’ (light) and ‘voltaic’ (electricity) or volt, which is the unit used to measure electric potential, is a showcase for interactive play. Visitors can stand in front of the 8-solar panel array and block out the sun by becoming a cloud. Group participation increases ‘cloudiness’, therefore decreasing energy output.

Visitors can play Solar Shoot Out using sunlight as the only variable in how well you perform; program a robotic arm, the most dynamic tool used in solar panel manufacturing; and, try their hand at manipulating heat signatures on thermal paper. Additionally, we’ve included a number of exhibits that focus on magnetic, motion, and wind energy.

Energy Factory is an exciting addition to Imagination Station’s repertoire of educational experiences. With an Exhibit Guide for educators that is aligned to academic content standards in both Ohio and Michigan, Energy Factory offers a bright alternative for families and school groups.