Shape sensing of NREL 5 MW offshore wind turbine blade using iFEM methodology

In this study, the shape sensing of a blade of the NREL 5 MW offshore wind turbine is presented by using the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) under real loading conditions. Among the applied forces, the aerodynamic forces are calculated based on the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT). The results of iFEM with full sensors and reduced sensors are compared with the reference Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis to test the accuracy of the iFEM analysis. The practical distribution of the iFEM elements with sensors is explored and the effects of different wind velocities are investigated to make the analysis more practical. Based on numerical results, it is concluded that iFEM is a suitable technique for shape sensing of offshore wind turbines.

Automated summary

This study presents the shape sensing of a blade of the NREL 5 MW offshore wind turbine using the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) under real loading conditions. Aerodynamic forces are calculated based on the Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT). The accuracy of the iFEM analysis is tested by comparing the results with full sensors and reduced sensors to the reference Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Practical distribution of iFEM elements with sensors is explored and the effects of different wind velocities are investigated for more practical analysis. Based on numerical results, it is concluded that iFEM is a suitable technique for shape sensing of offshore wind turbines.