How Industry Works with Group NIRE and Texas Tech University
John Schroeder, Ph.D.
Director, National Wind Institute, Texas Tech University
Mark Harral, J.D. Chief Executive Officer, Group NIRE National Wind Institute
Purpose: The National Wind Institute (NWI) is intended to serve as an intellectual hub for interdisciplinary and
intellectual hub for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, commercialization and education related to wind science, wind energy,
related to wind science, wind energy, wind engineering and wind hazard mitigation. The institute serves faculty affiliates, students and external partners involved in these activates and other peripheral areas of interest. National Wind Institute The Institute has a 44 year history of multi‐disciplinary research and education.
The
The Institute developed the first multi
Institute developed the first multi‐disciplinary
disciplinary Ph.D. degree program in Wind Science and Engineering in the US in 2003.
The Institute developed the first Bachelors degree in Wind Energy in the US in 2009.
The
The Institute has participation from:
Institute has participation from:
Approximately 50 faculty affiliates from various academic departments
142 undergraduate BSWE majors 19 Ph.D. students 19 Ph D t d t
12 technical and administrative staff
8 Wind Energy instructors
Wind Energy Research Projects at the National Wind Institute
•Reliability and Performance Optimization
•Complex Flow Measurement and Simulation
•Wind Turbine Loading and Fatigue
•Analytical Wake Modeling
•Wind Turbine Response and Condition Monitoring
•Anticipatory Control
•Grid Integration and Power Electronics
•Integrated
Integrated Wind
Wind‐Water
Water Desalination Systems
Desalination Systems
•Improving Short‐Term Wind Forecasting
•Avian and wildlife impacts
National Wind Institute
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•
•
•
NWI experienced a 101% growth in research activity from FY2010 to FY2013.
• Industry supported research grew by 633%
• Number #1 research entity on the Texas Tech University campus in Number #1 research entity on the Texas Tech University campus in
FY2013.
NWI also experienced significant growth in commercialization activities.
• Wind related activities resulted in 19% of the IP disclosures made at i d l d i ii
l d i 9% f h
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Texas Tech University in FY2013.
NWI has 142 students currently enrolled in the BSWE program, and graduated 23 students (with another 20 expected this spring and summer). d
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NWI has produced 24 graduate students specializing in Wind Science and Engineering.
Group NIRE Formation
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•
In 2010, Texas Tech University created the National Institute for Renewable Energy (The Institute) to do what universities can’tt do.
do what universities can
do.
Within four months of conception,
the Institute completed the following: – Formed Group NIRE to do all for‐
F
dG
NIRE t d ll f
profit business activities;
– Partnered with TTU for a $34M ETF grant request. $8,000,000 awarded to TTU and NIRE;
– Signed a Non‐binding Letter Agreement with Alstom Power Inc.
Example #1: Alstom ECO 86 Prototype Turbine
ECO 86 Prototype Turbine
• The first utility scale wind turbine installed at Reese Technology Center The first Alstom
Reese Technology Center. The first Alstom
turbine deployed in North America.
• Group NIRE handled site lease, interconnect agreement, power purchase agreement, and h
d
project management.
• The National Wind Institute has partnered with p
Alstom on several research focused on power performance and grid integration. Example #2: DOE/SNL Scaled Wind Farm Technology Facility
•Located at Reese Technology Center on NWI controlled property.
•Collaborative effort with DOE/Sandia /
National Laboratories, and Vestas.
•NWI provides research partnership, access to surrounding facilities, and dedicated staff to help maintain and advance the site.
•Group NIRE provided the interconnect and power purchase agreements, handles d
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general permitting issues, and helped manage the construction process. Accomplishments Since 2010
Project
Dollars
Alstom Wind Project
6.0 M
DOE Sandia National Labs Scaled Wind Farm Facility
3.0 M
National Nuclear Security Administration Pantex Phase I
19.5 M
DOE 1MW Battery Project
DOE 1MW Battery Project
21M
2.1
Secured Wind Turbine Certification Projects
15.0 M
Sponsored Research Awards from Industry Partners
1 M
Sponsored Research Awards from Federal Sources
3.8 M Value Provided to Texas Tech Univ. and State of Texas (10 X ROI)
50.4 M
What is on the Horizon?
Focal Points of Future Group NIRE and NWI Activity
• Microgrid
g and Energy Test Facility
gy
y
• Wind Turbine Testing and Certification
• Complex Flow Measurement
Complex Flow Measurement
• Wind Plant Optimization
• Smart Grid and Cyber Security
• Weather Monitoring and Forecasting
How can we help you?
How can we help you?