Wind Energy Initiative
Research Facilities
Wind Energy Manufacturing Laboratory (WEML)
A high-bay laboratory space dedicated to advancing the manufacturing processes for utility-scale wind turbines. Research in the lab focuses on developing methods for cost-effective manufacturing methods, including advanced manufacturing processes, automation technologies, metrology and nondestructive evaluation.
Wind simulation Testing Laboratory
Home to the aeronautic and atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel that can generate winds up to 110 mph. With an 8’x8’x55′ adjustable ceiling height test section, this tunnel is ideal for studying scaled model wind farms in various terrains.
Structure Engineering Research Laboratory
This facility enables load and fatigue testing of large components and wind energy systems, e.g., concrete tower segments.
Wind Energy Systems Laboratory (WESL)
This lab has experimental lab-scale wind turbines and various electric machines, including doubly-fed induction and permanent magnet synchronous generators. Power electronics, controllers and measurement systems add to the available resources ensuring WESL provides an environment of interdisciplinary system-level research.
Center for Nondestructive Evaluation (CNDE)
The premier U.S. research organization for the development and application of inspection and sensing technologies for structural health monitoring and other applications.
Synergistic Research Capabilities
Electric Power Research Center (EPRC)
Power System Engineering Research Center
Wind Engineering and Experimental Aerodynamics (WEEA)