http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2007/03/dispatchable_wi.html#comment-64391274

Excellent technology!  My take on this principle is to run a power shaft to the ground and directly power a generator when the grid can accept the power. 

By transporting the mechanical energy to the base of the machine various generators and pumps can harvest the power. It lowers the weight at the top of the tower, drastically cutting the cost of the machine.  And boosts the power output, lowering the cost per kwh for the device.

When excess wind power is available power the compressor to store the energy for later recovery.  It combines the less efficient energy obtained from the storage feature with the efficiency of direct to grid electricity production.

Heat pumps or water pumps, as well as compressors, can also be used to store the excess wind energy.  For instance, heat pumps could be used for industrial distillation, then the excess energy is stored in the distillation product.