Research Facilities
The National Wind Institute (NWI) at Texas Tech University is a world-renowned research center focused on wind, wind science, wind energy, wind engineering and wind hazard mitigation. Based on more than 45 years of research, the NWI represents the nation's leading university wind-focused research and education enterprise.
NWI organizes and manages large multi-dimensional wind-related research projects and serves as the contact point for major project sponsors and other external partners. Having a space to collaborate is essential, and NWI manages and supports several research facilities as well as a 67-acre research field site to support atmospheric, engineering and other academic to better understand wind energy and wind hazards mitigation.
Our innovative research suite includes
West Texas Mesonet
The country's largest publicly funded mesonet — real-time data behind local forecasts, warnings, and farm decisions.
Visit the mesonet →
Mobile StickNet
Forty-eight rapid-deployment surface platforms placed ahead of landfalling hurricanes and severe storms.
Explore the facility →
Ka-band Mobile Radars
Two truck-mounted Doppler radars that resolve fine-scale wind structure in tornadoes, hurricanes and wind farms.
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NWI Field Site
Sixty-seven acres of dedicated ground, home to the 200 m meteorological tower and WERFL.
Explore the facility →
VorTECH Tornado Simulator
Simulates tornadic winds up to about 150 mph, the range covering 92 percent of all tornadoes.
Explore the facility →
Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel
A closed-circuit tunnel generating winds up to 110 mph, used to test bridges, signs and other structures.
Explore the facility →National Wind Institute
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Address
1009 Canton Ave., MS 3155 Lubbock, TX 79409-3155 -
Phone
National Wind Institute - 806.742.3476; Renewable Energy - 806.742.6284 -
Email
nwi@ttu.edu