Back in 2003 with support from the National Science Foundation, the very first interdisciplinary Ph.D. program devoted to wind science and engineering was begun at Texas Tech University. It was later, that the TWEI or Texas Wind Energy Institute was known as a partnership with Texas Tech and Texas State Technical College intended to developcareer and education paths to meet workforce and education needs of this expanding wind energy industry. This is also partly funded by the Texas Workforce Commission; TWEI’s vision was to offer leadership in most areas of wind energy education for this industry.
Further streamline and encourage synergy
To further update and to inspireinteraction, both WiSE and TWEI have come together to form the National Wind Institute (NWI). The time is right to increase wind research; our rich TTU history proves longevity, and numerous public and other partnerships and fund projects are supported by this unique suite of research facilities and the rich regional natural wind resources.
Expert technical and admin staff
Backing for these cutting-edge services comes in the form of expert technical and administrative staff, a select group of very hard working and focused students as well as a well-known faculty with ground-breaking ideas and the skills to make them happen.
Multi-dimensional TTU research
TTU organizes and cares for the large multi-dimensional TTU research on wind-related projects and services as the contact point for any major projects that is sponsored by other external partners. There projects include research projects using wind turbine to our world-class debris impact facility. Having a space where partners can collaborate is vital to our work that is interdisciplinary and for the ongoing support of faculty affiliates and students.
Operates multiple research sites
This NWI operates and manages several research sites and an over 60-acre research field site to support engineering, atmospheric, and other vital disciplines to better our understanding of wind energy and hazards weather in the spring time in Texas and Oklahoma and other parts of “tornado alley”. This center is where most of the Storm shelters Texas were developed and first tested.
