How Does Wilson Dam Work?

How Does Wilson Dam Work?. . , Wilson Dam , Potential floodwaters that surge downstream on the Tennessee River are collected in Wilson Lake. Then, through carefully controlled releases, the water is gradually sent through the dam. Releasing water through the dam serves another important purpose: generating hydroelectric power. Inside the dam is a tunnel called a "penstock." Water surges down this penstock and smashes against the propeller blades of five towering turbines. The tremendous force spins shafts extending from the turbines into generators, which transform this raw natural energy into usable hydroelectric power. , Finally, high-tension power lines deliver the electricity to utility companies, who then distribute it to businesses and homes in their service areas. Wilson Dam's lock - the highest single lift lock east of the Rockies - allows approximately 3,700 vessels to pass through every year. To learn more about Wilson's lock system, visit the lock side of the dam. , Original Turbine and Generator Unit , Turbine and Generator Unit 1925 , A. Pilot Exciter , B. Main Exciter , C. Fan , D. Thrust Collar , E. Bearing Cooling Coil , F. Thrust Bearing , G. Upper Guide Bearing , H. Upper Bracket , I. Stator Laminations , J. Stator Windings , K. Field Windings and Laminations , L. Rotor Spider , M. Lower Guide Bearing , N. Lower Bracket , O. Bracket and Jack , P. Generator Leads, Turbine Key , 1. Shaft Coupling , 2. Inspection Platform , 3. Ladder , 4. Governor Oil Pipes , 5. Pit Liner , 6. Guide Vane Lever , 7. Regulating Cylinder , 8. Head Cover , 9. Lignum Vitae , 10. Stay Vanes , 11. Guide Vanes , 12. Runner Vanes , 13. Francis Turbine , 14. Draft Cone, Wilson Dam's first generator units, like the one shown here, were some of the most powerful of their time. Made by GE, those first generators were capable of producing up to 35,000 horse-power - helping Wilson Dam earn the nickname "Niagara of the South.", Wilson Dam's reservoir has a flood-storage capacity of 50,500 acre-feet. On average, 3,700 vessels pass through the dam's locks each year., Together, the dam's 21 generating units are capable of producing 663 megawatts of electric power per day., Wilson Dam's face has 49 spillway gates. The amount of water discharged per second by one gate is about 12.175 cu. feet - enough to fill the Houston Astrodome in an hour., Wilson Dam stands at 137 feet in height and stretches 4,541 feet across the Tennessee River.