Abstract: An improved energy controller that increases the electrical efficiency of AC induction motors and electrical lights that is comprised of a microcontroller integrated with a signal control circuit to regulate the amount of the input line A/C signal that passes from the input the to electrical device. The microcontroller includes circuitry to measure the phase of the voltage and current of the input A/C signal and the shift of the phase across the motor or electric light. Using this phase difference, the microcontroller can determine the power factor and regulate the amount of power provided to the electric motor or light in response to changes in loading on the motor or light. The energy controller includes software that enables the microcontroller to provide a soft-start for induction motors.

Abstract: An improved energy controller that increases the electrical efficiency of AC induction motors and electrical lights that is comprised of a microcontroller integrated with a signal control circuit to regulate the amount of the input line A/C signal that passes from the input the to electrical device. The microcontroller includes circuitry to measure the phase of the voltage and current of the input A/C signal and the shift of the phase across the motor or electric light. Using this phase difference, the microcontroller can determine the power factor and regulate the amount of power provided to the electric motor or light in response to changes in loading on the motor or light. The energy controller includes software that enables the microcontroller to provide a soft-start for induction motors.

Abstract: A controller for use with AC induction motors utilizes a microcontroller in conjunction with a triac to control the duty cycle of the AC power applied to the motor. A voltage sensing circuit provides signals to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is also coupled to the gate of a triac. The microcontroller automatically selects the appropriate parameters for most efficient motor operation based upon the motor power factor as determined by the time at which the voltage across the motor crosses zero and the voltage at the triac gate crosses zero.