North American Windpower: New Wind Research Facility Breaks Ground On Texas Tech Campus

by NAW Staff on Wednesday 18 July 2012

A new wind research facility that will enhance the study of wind turbulence, advanced energy capture and wind farm performance has broken ground on the campus of Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas.

The Scaled Wind Farm Technology (SWIFT) facility - a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Texas Tech University Sandia National Laboratories and Vestas - is scheduled for completion in the fall.

According to Sandia, the objective of the facility will be to monitor wind farm performance and has space for up to 10 turbines, allowing researchers to examine how larger projects can become more productive and collaborative. The facility will also help turbine designers and manufacturers reduce the aerodynamic losses of wind energy, enhance energy capture and mitigate turbine damage.

Initially, the site will be equipped with two research-scale wind turbines provided by the DOE and by the research and development division of Vestas Technology, located in Houston.

The research center received a $2.6 million investment from the DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Don't miss the latest wind energy news -- register to receive NAW's news headlines.

Latest Top Stories

As U.S. DOJ Investigates, Duke Works Adaptive Management Plan

With previous golden eagle fatalities reported at two company-owned wind farms in Wyoming, Duke Energy Renewables is going to great lengths to protect raptors.

DOE To Recast Landmark 20% Wind Energy Report; Study Looks Back, Ahead

The U.S. Department of Energy will update its 20% Wind Energy By 2030 report, which indicated increased levels of wind penetration for the U.S. is not only possible but feasible.

Wind Energy Procurement Top Of Mind For Big-Name Companies

With greater frequency, top-tier companies are discovering the economic and environmental power of wind energy and upping their investments in the resource.

WINDPOWER Panelists Issue A Call To Arms: Protect RPS Mandates

Votes on several legislative bills concerning state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are nearing. How can you help protect and maintain these development drivers?

Wind Industry Still Awaits First Eagle-Take Permit Under BGEPA

The first wind developer to apply for a take permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act has withdrawn its application.