Abstract: A method of starting a wind turbine generator of any type of polyphase AC machine, including, but not limited to, brushless DC or permanent magnet machines is disclosed. The machine starts from a dead stop or from low speed operation and is accelerated to the cut in speed for power production. The start-up is realized utilizing the common set of electrical conductors and the power converter also used for capturing the generated power. Under initial operation, the power converter executes a PWM modulation technique to drive the machine. Periodically, the PWM modulation is stopped to read the electrical position of the generator.

Abstract: A power converter configured to improve power capture in a wind turbine during low wind speed operation is disclosed. The power converter converts the power generated by the alternator of the wind turbine into a suitable AC current for delivery to a utility grid or to an electric load independent of the utility grid. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes, utilizing both synchronous and non-synchronous control methods, to extend the operating range of the power converter. During non-synchronous operation, the power converter utilizes a modulation routine that may either vary the dead-time compensation period during a constant modulation period or vary the modulation period with a constant on-time. A seamless transfer between non-synchronous and synchronous control methods with low total harmonic distortion (THD) improves the range of power generation for wind generators.