The Turbine

This 125-ton carbon-steel turbine spins at 81.8 revolutions per minute as more than 99.491 gallons of water per second rush through the intake to turn its heavy blades and generate 36 megawatts of electricity. Measuring over 24 feet wide and nearly 13 feet tall, this Kaplan adjustable-blade turbine, the fourth installed at Pickwick Dam, began commercial operation in 1942. Despite its huge size, it plays only a small role in TVA's balanced river system.

Tennessee · United States