Electronic sail shape sensor network and method of operating the same for single and multi-sail configurations

The instant invention describes devices and methods of measuring the differential air pressure at numerous representative points across the surface of the sail or sails and providing visual feedback of areas of ideal laminar flow and areas of less than optimal airflow with a calculation of thrust and providing an indication the maximal differential airflow and thrust. The invention utilizes an array of sensors that detect minute variations in barometric pressure and other data on each side of the sail surface. These sensors are connected together to form a network or net across the sail. This connection can be physical, using wires, or it may be wireless, using for example, but certainly not being limited to, Bluetooth LE 5.0 or other wireless topologies or technologies. This can be extended over multiple sails and monitor not only the sail but the interaction of the sails. Finally it can utilize a combination of wired and wireless connections to fit individual situations and can couple with existing terrestrial and satellite ship networks.