Masterclass on Sensing for Offshore Renewable Energy Structures

Key information

• Location: University of Hull
• Date: Took place May 2024. To repeat in Spring 2026
• Duration: 2-day Masterclass
• Specialist access to laboratory-scale composite manufacturing facilities, Fibre
  Bragg grating and optical time domain reflectometer analysis equipment.

Pricing

• Industry participant rate: £1000 - Course materials and lunch included. Participants are responsible for the cost and organisation of their travel and accommodation.
• Early Career Researchers: Free - In line with EPSRC funding policy, the cost is covered for academic researchers who meet the definition of an Early Career Researcher (Post Doctoral Research Assistants (PDRAs), early career academic staff within the first three years of their academic appointment, or PhD students within 12 months of completion who are exploring a future career in the ORE sector), and are part of our network. There will be no charge for Early Career Researchers to attend a Masterclass, but they will be responsible for covering expenses such as travel and accommodation.

Included in your day

• Unparalleled access to the most up-to-date knowledge in a session created by academics at the forefront of ORE research and teaching
• Access to world-class facilities and hands-on demonstrations
• Electronic access to course material and presentations after the masterclass
• Networking opportunities
• Q&A session with Course Director(s)
• Morning, lunch and afternoon refreshments
• Electronic certificate of attendance

About the Masterclass

This 2-day Masterclass will explore the latest advancements in sensing systems and associated signal processing techniques to monitor the manufacture and operation of offshore renewable energy systems including turbine blades, and static and dynamic cables. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of a range of sensors, associated infrastructure and the signal processing techniques required to extract load data and detect defects. Particular emphasis will be placed on fibre optic sensors for wind and tidal blade structures and monitoring of both manufacturing processes and operational behaviour.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in applying fibre optic sensors to scaled structures and deriving load measurements. The Masterclass includes specialist access to laboratory-scale composite manufacturing facilities, Fibre Bragg grating and distributed fibre sensors with optical spectrum analysis and optical time domain reflectometer analysis equipment.

Upon completion, participants will understand the underlying principles of discrete and distributed fibre optic sensors and associated interrogation techniques as well as have valuable insight into the approaches, trade-offs and challenges of interrogating large arrays of fibre optic sensors using time and wavelength multiplexing methods.

Drawing on expertise from 10 UK universities, the Supergen ORE Hub is in a unique position to offer the opportunity to learn directly from the UK's foremost specialists in offshore renewable energy at world-leading facilities. To book your place on this Masterclass we encourage you to register early as places are limited. This Masterclass is scheduled to run a second time in Spring 2026.

Masterclass Directors

• Professor James Gilbert - Professor of Engineering, University of Hull