An Adaptive Power Factor Controller for Three-Phase Induction Generators

An adaptive power factor controllerfor three-phase inducti on generators (and also for motors) is proposed in this paper. The controller senses the reactive current drawn by the machine and accordingly provides the needed reactive power to improve the power factor to as close to unity as possible. The controller is a modular, low-cost, harmonic free device. It does not create any transients in line current. It is designed to eliminate the self-excitation problems associated with induction generators. The controller is tested on an induction generator, which is being used in wind energy and similar applications.