Electrical power system for multi-use power conditioning and engine start

A multi-mode power conversion system in which a synchronous machine operates as a generator during a forward power mode and a starter during a reverse power mode, said system comprising:

• a first multi-mode power conversion module, having an AC input/output connected to the synchronous machine, a DC input/output connected to a DC link, and an active power switching arrangement for converting multi-phase AC power from the synchronous machine to regulated DC link voltage during the forward power mode and converting DC link voltage to multi-phase AC power for supply to the synchronous machine during the reverse power mode;
• and
• a second multi-mode power conversion module, having a first input/output side for AC power input/output, a second input/output side for DC link connection, and an active power switching arrangement, wherein said active power switching arrangement is controlled to convert DC link voltage from said DC link connection to an AC load supply voltage during the forward power mode and convert AC input power from said first input/output side to a regulated DC link voltage during a reverse power mode,
• wherein said multi-mode power conversion system includes an electrical contactor between said first multi-mode power conversion module and the synchronous machine that is closed during both said forward power mode and said reverse power mode and does not include a electrical connection or electrical contactor between the first input/output side of said second multi-mode power conversion module and the synchronous machine.

A multi-mode power conversion system in which a synchronous machine operates as a generator during a forward power mode and a starter during a reverse power mode, said system comprising:

• a first multi-mode power conversion module, having an AC input/output connected to the synchronous machine, a DC input/output connected to a DC link, and an active power switching arrangement for converting multi-phase AC power from the synchronous machine to regulated DC link voltage during the forward power mode and converting DC link voltage to multi-phase AC power for supply to the synchronous machine during the reverse power mode;
• and
• a second multi-mode power conversion module, having a first input/output side for AC power input/output and for DC power source input, a second input/output side for DC link connection, and an active power switching arrangement, wherein said active power switching arrangement is controlled to:
• convert DC link voltage from said DC link connection to an AC load supply voltage during the forward power mode;
• convert AC input power from said first input/output side to a regulated DC link voltage during an AC source input, reverse power mode;
• and
• convert DC input power from said first input/output side to a regulated DC link voltage during a DC source input, reverse power mode.