Scottish invention promises power revolution

Reduction Gearboxes are installed for improved control and take the stress that direct drive can't handle. What makes them think that the direct drives will last any longer when odds are that they should break down sooner. This "new technology" is nothing revolutionary and in fact is common practice. Who knows? I'm not there so I'm only speculating.

Always good to hear more economical and simpler solutions. Wind Turbines are still tougher than the Large Hadron Collider though. Wind Turbines won't cease working if a bird hits it haha.

Reduction Gearboxes are installed for improved control and take the stress that direct drive can't handle. What makes them think that the direct drives will last any longer when odds are that they should break down sooner. This "new technology" is nothing revolutionary and in fact is common practice. Who knows? I'm not there so I'm only speculating. Don't dismiss the power loss by a gearbox, it can be substantial. Not to mention the cost.

Wonder how a 'torque converter' would work? KennyB

I does sound very promising. Good job UoE!

Who knows? I'm not there so I'm only speculating. Oh, thanks for making that clear because it didnt sound like speculation, not at all.

Wonder how a 'torque converter' would work? KennyB http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque_converter