A Review on Piezoelectric Transducer-Based Structural Health Monitoring for Wind Turbine Blades

Piezoelectric transducers have emerged as highly effective tools for structural health monitoring (SHM) in the renewable energy sector, particularly for wind turbine blades subjected to complex operational and environmental stresses. These sensors convert mechanical stimuli such as strain, vibration, and pressure into measurable electrical signals, enabling real-time and non-destructive evaluation of blade integrity. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the working principles, sensing mechanisms, and deployment strategies of piezoelectric transducers for condition monitoring of wind turbine blades. The advantages of this technology, including high sensitivity, early damage detection, and potential for integration into intelligent predictive maintenance frameworks, are highlighted. In addition, environmental influences, material coupling challenges, and signal processing complexities affecting sensor performance are discussed. Finally, emerging trends in piezoelectric-based SHM systems and their role in extending blade lifespan and improving overall energy efficiency are outlined.