A power converter for operating a three-phase AC electrical machine from a single phase AC power source includes an ASD having a rectifier and inverter, and an add-on power conversion module external to the ASD that is electrically connected to each of the power source and the ASD. The power conversion module includes one or more input inductors configured to store and filter single-phase AC power received from the power source and a pair of switching devices connected to each of the input inductors at an output end thereof. A controller operably connected to the power conversion module selectively controls switching of the pair of switching devices associated with each of the one or more input inductors so as to cause a sinusoidal single phase AC power to be output from the add-on power conversion module for rectification by the rectifier.