Gaussian Process Latent Force Models for Virtual Sensing in a Monopile-Based Offshore Wind Turbine

Fatigue assessment in offshore wind turbine support structures requires the monitoring of strains below the mudline, where the highest bending moments occur. However, direct measurement of these strains is generally impractical. This paper presents the validation of a virtual sensing technique based on the Gaussian process latent force model for dynamic strain monitoring. The dataset, taken from an operating near-shore turbine in the Westermeerwind Park in the Netherlands, provides a unique opportunity for validation of strain estimates at locations below the mudline using strain gauges embedded within the monopile foundation.