Integrated starter alternator troller

An electro-mechanical device for use with an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft, the electro-mechanical device comprising:

• a. three phase stator windings;
• b. a rotor having a rotor winding positioned across an air gap from the stator windings, the rotor having a drive shaft releasably connected to the crankshaft;
• c. an active rectifier bridge connected to the three phase stator windings, the active rectifier bridge comprising a plurality of transistor switches;
• d. a controller in communication with the active rectifier bridge, the controller operable to control the active rectifier bridge such that the electro-mechanical device operates in one of at least three modes, wherein
• i. a first of the at least three modes causes the electro-mechanical device to operate as a starting motor to crank the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is not in operation,
• ii a second of the at least three modes causes the electro-mechanical device to operate as a generator during operation of the internal combustion engine, and
• iii a third of the at least three modes causes the electro-mechanical device to operate as an electric motor to provide propulsion power for the boat.

A method of operating an electro-mechanical device having a rotor and an active rectifier bridge, the active rectifier bridge electrically connected to a battery and a controller, the rotor releasably connected to an internal combustion engine, the rotor also connected to a propeller, the method comprising the steps of:

• a. sending a first signal to the controller to operate the electro-mechanical device as a starting motor and, upon receipt of the first signal by the controller, controlling the active rectifier bridge such that the electro-mechanical device operates as a starting motor to crank the internal combustion engine;
• b. sending a second signal to the controller to operate the electro-mechanical device as a generator, and upon receipt of the second signal by the controller, controlling the active rectifier bridge such that the electro-mechanical device operates as a generator driven by the internal combustion engine;
• and
• c. sending a third signal to the controller to operate the electro-mechanical device as an electric motor, and upon receipt of the third signal by the controller, controlling the active rectifier bridge such that the electro-mechanical device operates as a propulsion motor.