Patent ID: 6847194

Claim:
A method of using a synchronous starter/generator to apply a torque to a prime mover until said prime mover is substantially self-sustaining, said method comprising: selecting a first or second starting mode, said first mode comprising applying a reluctance torque output from a synchronous starter/generator to a prime mover until said prime mover is substantially self-sustaining, said second mode comprising applying a reluctance torque output from said synchronous starter/generator to said prime mover in a first stage, and applying at least one of a reluctance torque output and a reaction torque output from said synchronous starter/generator to said prime mover in a second stage until said prime mover is substantially self-sustaining, and in response to said selection; controlling said synchronous starter/generator in said first mode to produce a reluctance torque output and applying said reluctance torque output to said prime mover until said prime mover is substantially self-sustaining; and controlling said synchronous starter/generator in said second mode to produce at least one of a reluctance torque output and a reaction torque output and applying said at least one of a reluctance torque output and a reaction torque output to said prime mover in said first and second stage until said prime mover is substantially self sustaining.