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 5MW 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.