Team Name:

Techsan Wind

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Why this Competition?

Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, is home to Techsan Wind. Techsan Wind is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition because of the practical knowledge our team will gain throughout the process.

Many of Techsan Wind’s team members are majoring in Texas Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Wind Energy, and while our classroom experiences are valuable to our future job prospects, having the opportunity to design, develop, and build a wind turbine and wind farm allows the team to apply the classroom experiences to a real-world project. Participating in the competition also allows the team members a chance to connect with future colleagues in the wind energy industry and learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry as well.

Game Plan

As part of our work, we are planning to hold a handful of events, public health guidelines permitting. We will host our first event—a KidWind event tentatively planned to be in-person—in March at the Children’s Home of Lubbock. Our second event will be an in-person information session held on the Texas Tech campus to spread information about wind energy to the wider student body. The team is also looking to host several virtual events throughout the semester. Additionally, Techsan Wind has partnered with Wilson Independent School District to host a possible virtual KidWind event.

Team Strengths

Our team’s greatest strength is the diverse experience of our team members. Another strength is our alumni network and its willingness to provide feedback on Techsan Wind’s plans.

Team Hurdles

Techsan Wind’s hurdles are no different than those faced by other teams. We are struggling with the lack of access to facilities, as well as the need to accommodate team members who can only participate virtually. Techsan Wind is also adding new advisors and team members, so getting them up to speed and continuing the project is challenging. 

We are hoping to achieve a working wind turbine that places well during testing. Our team has struggled during the on-site turbine testing in the past, though having the opportunity to compete again is very exciting. 

Competition Objectives

Our primary goal is to spread more information about wind energy into the larger Lubbock and Texas Tech community. Our team is looking to generate excitement in K-12 classrooms as well as create a robust recruiting network for future Techsan Wind team members on Texas Tech’s campus.

Techsan Wind’s secondary goals include recruiting new wind energy majors/minors and developing partnerships with various on-campus groups.

Follow Us

Facebook: @TechsanWind | @TexasTechYou

Instagram: @TechsanWind | @texastech

LinkedIn: Texas Tech University

Twitter: @TechsanWind | @TexasTech

This content was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy by the team.