Electrical Power Generation System and Method for Aircraft

An electrical generator system comprising:

• a plurality of variable frequency generators configured to be connected to a common prime mover;
• and
• a phase controller system configured to control the plurality of variable frequency generators using a mechanical phase difference as follows:
• M
• 
• 
• P
• 
• 
• D
• =
• 360
• G
• 
• 
• Φ
• 
• 
• p
• wherein MPD is the mechanical phase difference in degrees between rotors between a pair of variable frequency generators, G is a number of variable frequency generators, Φ is a number of electrical phases in a variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators, and p is a number of pole pairs in the variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators, wherein the phase controller system controls the plurality of variable frequency generators such that each variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators has a selected mechanical phase difference from another variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators that is an integer multiple of the mechanical phase difference that is less than 360 degrees.

A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:

• operating a plurality of variable frequency generators using a common prime mover;
• and
• controlling the plurality of variable frequency generators using a mechanical phase difference as follows:
• M
• 
• 
• P
• 
• 
• D
• =
• 360
• G
• 
• 
• Φ
• 
• 
• p
• wherein MPD is the mechanical phase difference in degrees between rotors between a pair of variable frequency generators, G is a number of variable frequency generators, Φ is a number of electrical phases in a variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators, and p is a number of pole pairs in the variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators, wherein the plurality of variable frequency generators are controlled such that each variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators has a selected mechanical phase difference from another variable frequency generator in the plurality of variable frequency generators that is an integer multiple of the mechanical phase difference that is less than 360 degrees.