The wind energy group at Clarkson conducts research on a variety of issues related to wind energy. From improving the efficiency of small wind turbines to the design of larger systems with flow control strategies, the faculty and students involved work towards improving the amount of energy extracted from a given windstream while reducing the cost and associated complexity of the systems. Both horizontal and vertical axis strategies are being investigated, along with new generator design concepts.

Facilities at Clarkson include low and high speed subsonic wind tunnels, rapid prototyping capabilities and a wind turbine test site located at the Potsdam airport 3 miles from the campus. Twin towers at 18m allow a research and control turbine to be measured simultaneously. Ambient conditions are continuously monitored at the site. A 20 m meteorological tower enables velocity and direction of the incoming wind to be determined upstream of the turbines at several heights. The site can be accessed remotely via a wireless IP connection.