I am using a 240v, 4 pole single phase ABB induction motor, rated at 2.2Kw in a L100 frame (ABB Type 100LA).  It is in fact used as a generator (negative slip) and rewound to provide better performance in the negative slip configuration.  This generator is used in a stirling engine (the prime mover) that generates around 1Kw of electrical power parallel connected to the grid.  To start the stirling engine, the induction generator acts as a starter motor by directly connected to the mains.  It works well but start torque is a problem.  Also, to achieve CE compliance for EMC, the starting current must be reduced to reduce mains flicker.  My question is, I am trying to locate a motor with an improved rotor that will provide a better starting torque but still maintain a reasonable run efficiency, i.e. improving the ratio of locked rotor torque to locked rotor current.  Currently, the motor produced a locked rotor torque of 12 Nm at a stall current of about 20 amps.  If anyone knows of alternative single phase, 230v induction motor that could provide improved starting characteristics, I would appreciate the contact details.