In general, the modern technology trend has been replacing mechanical components with electrical ones. Frequency converters have become successful, and they have no moving parts and are very efficient.
On the other hand, if this can get rid of the mechanical gear at the same time, it might be a wash.
But since Vestas and Mitsubishi wind power are combining and it seems the hydraulic technology used in that Mitsubishi prototype power plant will not see immediate use.
This has an explanation why it's not always useful to go at max speed: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip-speed_ratio
In general, the modern technology trend has been replacing mechanical components with electrical ones. Frequency converters have become successful, and they have no moving parts and are very efficient.
On the other hand, if this can get rid of the mechanical gear at the same time, it might be a wash.
But since Vestas and Mitsubishi wind power are combining and it seems the hydraulic technology used in that Mitsubishi prototype power plant will not see immediate use.
Ironically, ABB and Mitsubishi developed the integrated gate commutated thyristor that's used for those frequency converters. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_gate-commutated_thy...