The Power Factor Controller (PFC3) is designed to control the power factor reactive current (VAr) of a generator whilst running in parallel with the mains utility.

The PFC3 is also equipped with a voltage matching facility for use with automatic synchronisation equipment. This dispenses with the need for motorised potentiometers and allows a lower cost synchroniser to be used.

The PFC3 can also be connected to provide power factor correction of the incoming mains feeder by using the generator to supply the reactive current. A current limiting facility is provided to prevent generator overload.

The control loop within the PFC3 has two modes of operation to allow for the best response matching of the prime-mover governor and the generator voltage regulator. 'Dynamic Control' is the preferred method providing continuous correction and high accuracy. 'Deadband Control' provides an alternative means which allows the power factor (or VAr) to drift between presettable limits before any correction signal is given. This method is employed where system stability may be a problem.

The output of the PFC3 is internally limited to restrict the maximum (or minimum) voltage of the generator under abnormal operating conditions. This prevents the generator from trying to match an unrealistic mains voltage and also limits the consumer bus-bar voltage in the event of a mains failure.

The PFC3 incorporates an excitation limiting circuit to prevent the generator excitation from being driven to zero (or near zero) when operating at leading power factor.

Due to its flexibility the PFC3 can be used in many different single or multi-generator power schemes as shown in Fig 1A

Through Fig 1d and the more unusual applications may not be covered in this manual. If you are in any doubt as to the use of the PFC3 in your application please contact your nearest Newage international office for advice.