Innovative drive trains targeted at 10-20 MW offshore turbines are investigated in the INNWIND.EU project in order to determine the impact on the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) resulting when installed in the ,North sea at 50 m of water [1]. The two main technologies studied are superconducting direct drive (SCDD)[2] and the magnetic pseudo direct drive (PDD) [3] generators, which are both capable to providing compact drive trains with low weight and a small number of moving parts compared to a gearbox based drive train (see figure 1a). Superconducting field coils are used to provide the torque in the direct drive generators, where the armature windings are based on conventional copper wire and magnetic steel laminates operated at ambient temperature. Magnetic pseudo direct drive generators consist of a magnetic gearbox made of an inner free rotor (rotating at a geared up speed to the blade input) and an intermediate drive rotor inserted into an outer static armature winding, where the electricity is harvested. @en

In England and the Netherlands, in response to changes in housing policy and the market, there is widespread enthusiasm for asset management in the social rented sector. A key issue in both countries is the development of a strategic approach towards the formulation of asset management plans. Our paper examines this issue in relation to the current practice of housing associations in both countries. Drawing on case studies in England and the Netherlands we conclude that in both countries practice varies widely between housing associations. Some of the approaches adopted by front-runners can be seen as models for other associations yet to develop a strategic approach towards asset management. Lessons can also be learnt across national boundaries, though necessarily mediated by differences between the two housing systems.@en