ABSTRACT
It is well known that variable-speed direct-drive (gearless) wind turbines (WTs) have in general more capabilities and better performance than conventional gearbox-drive machines. Some of the major wind turbine manufacturers in the world have identiŽed this technology as the most appropriate for offshore applications. However, international companies that design multimegawatt variable-speed direct-drive WTs nowadays are but a few, due to the novelty and technological complexity of the system. Among others are Enercon (Germany), M.Torres349 (Spain), General Electric (United States), and Siemens (Germany).
