Power conversion system with dual permanent magnet generator having prime mover start capability

A starting/generating system operable in a starting mode to accelerate a prime mover to operating speed and in a generating mode to convert motive power supplied by the prime mover into electrical power for a load, comprising:

• a dual permanent magnet generator (DPMG) having a rotor coupled to the prime mover through a motive power shaft, a magnetic structure on the rotor and an armature winding;
• an uncontrolled rectifier bridge having an input and an output;
• an inverter having an input coupled to the rectifier output and an output;
• an AC power source;
• relays operable in the starting mode to connect the AC power source to the rectifier input and the output of the inverter to the DPMG armature winding and operable in the generating mode to connect the rectifier bridge input to the DPMG armature winding;
• and
• an inverter control operable in the starting mode for controlling the inverter whereby the DPMG is operated as a motor to produce motive power at the motive power shaft and operable in the generating mode for controlling the inverter whereby electrical power developed in the DPMG armature winding is converted into AC output power.

A method of operating a starting/generating system, comprising the steps of:

• (a.) coupling a motive power shaft of a dual permanent magnet generator (DPMG) to a prime mover;
• (b.) connecting an output of a power converter to an armature winding of the DPMG;
• (c.) connecting an input of the power converter to a power source;
• (d.) controlling the power converter whereby the DPMG is operated as a motor to produce motive power which is transferred through the motive power shaft to the prime mover so that the prime mover is accelerated to self-sustaining speed;
• (e.) connecting the input of the power converter to the DPMG armature winding and the output of the power converter to a load after the step (d.);
• and
• (f.) controlling the power converter whereby electrical power developed in the DPMG armature winding is converted into output power for the load.