Systems And Methods Involving Variable Speed Generators

An electrical generation system comprising a generator (102). The generator (102) including, a stator portion (stator), and a rotor portion (rotor), and a variable frequency generator (VFG) exciter (104). The VFG exciter (104) including, a first converter (120), operative to convert DC current to AC current connected to a DC link (106) and a second converter (122), operative to convert DC current to AC current connected to the DC link (106). The system including a first switch (103) operative, when closed, to connect the first converter (120) to the stator portion while the generator (102) is operating in a starting condition, wherein the first switch (103) is open while the generator (102) is operating in a running condition. The system including second switch (105) operative, when closed, to connect the first converter (120) and the second converter (122) in parallel to the rotor portion (rotor) while the generator (102) is operating in a running condition, wherein the second switch (105) is open while the generator (102) is operating in the starting condition.