Abstract: A starting system and method for a gas turbine engine applies a change in conventional starter generator torque profiles near the conclusion of the start cycle after the engine self sustaining speed and just prior to starter generator cut-out. By decreasing the applied torque to zero prior to transition from a start mode to a generator mode, both the mechanical and electrical transients are greatly decreased.

Abstract: A system of protection for an AC/DC hybrid electric power generation and distribution system having an AC portion comprising at least one source of AC power producing AC current coupled by first power feeders to a DC portion comprising at least one AC to DC converter producing DC current, the DC current being coupled by second power feeders to utilization equipment, comprises AC current sensors producing current sense signals proportional in magnitude to the AC current and DC current sensors producing current sense signals proportional in magnitude to the DC current. The AC current sensors define an entrance to a zone of protection, and the DC current sensors define an exit from the zone of protection. The AC and DC current sense signals are relationally compared to detect the presence of a differential current fault within the zone of protection.