Power factor correction system by means of continuous modulation. Final report

The novel power factor correction system described here is an improvement over existing ones because it reduces the VAR`s with no switching transients, continuously; i.e., without the customary VAR-jumps that result from the usual capacitor-switchings. Work on this concept was begun in the early 1980`s by Mr. Frederick Rohatyn. The invention was granted a U.S. Patent (No. 4,672,298) in June 1987. Mr. Rohatyn continued his experiments for four year`s following issuance of the patent. During that time, he built several prototypes in order to develop a practical realization of his idea. The invention was evaluated technically by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), resulting in very favorable recommendations. In the invention, the compensating reactive power is generated by a linear capacitor. A transformer is connected in series with the capacitor. The voltage applied to the capacitor terminals can be varied from zero to a maximum level. This is done by supplying the primary winding of the series transformer from a variable auto-transformer. This feature permits continuous variation of the reactive power generated by the capacitor. Based on the results of this study, the industrial partner intends to develop a line of production models and market them to power management companies worldwide