Systems and methods for variable speed operation of combustion engines for power generation

Certain embodiments of the disclosure may include systems and methods for variable speed operation of combustion engines. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, a method is provided for controlling the operation of the combustion engine. The method can include providing (402) power from a power source to a converter; providing (404) frequency variable power to a generator from the converter; accelerating (406) the generator and associated turbine to a predetermined speed by modulating the frequency variable power from the converter; after a predetermined turbine speed is achieved, disconnecting (408) power supplied to the generator by the converter; and modulating (410) subsequent operation of the generator using power from the converter.