Offshore wind turbines are alike to onshore wind turbines and utilize significantly similar technology. The only major difference as far as power capture is concerned is that they are commonly bigger. As with onshore machinery, offshore are straight-axis wind turbines with three-bladed rotors.
Drive-trains for offshore wind turbines are undistinguishable from those utilized on the
ground too; some utilize gearboxes and comparatively high-speed generators, while others are fortified with direct drive between the turbine rotor and the generator.
Towers are of alike construction. Offshore wind turbine towers are usually constructed from tubular steel sections. Though, foundations for offshore wind turbines are significantly different from those used onshore.
