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 .