US Patent 9680344 Multiphase electrical machine and method of use

An electrical machine is provided. The electrical machine includes a stator, a rotor, and a plurality of switches. The stator includes main windings and auxiliary windings. The rotor is couplable to a prime mover configured to turn the rotor relative to the stator to generate at least six phases of alternating current (AC) power at the main windings. The plurality of switches is respectively coupled between the auxiliary windings and groups of the main windings. The plurality of switches is configured to convert the at least six phases to three phases when the plurality of switches is closed.