Starting system and method using a hybrid permanent magnet/induction machine

摘要

A starting system and method for starting a prime mover connected to a generator by an actuable torque link utilizes a hybrid permanent magnet/induction machine having a rotor coupled to a rotor of the main generator and a stator having windings therein. The method includes the step of applying AC power to the hybrid machine stator windings so that the hybrid machine initially acts as an induction motor to accelerate the hybrid machine rotor, following which the hybrid machine acts as a synchronous motor to rotate the main generator rotor at a particular speed DC power is then applied to a main generator field winding and AC power is supplied to a set of main generator armature windings so that the main generator operates as a synchronous motor to develop motive power the torque link is activated once the main generator is operating as a synchronous motor to bring the prime mover up to self-sustaining speed. Inasmuch as the hybrid machine may comprise part of a brushless synchronous generator, the present system and method does not require additional components and reduces transients in the AC power applied to the hybrid machine and generator.