Power factors and its effects on alternator performance .

A generator is physically unable to absorb more than a very small amount of real (kW) or reactive (kVAR) power. While the reverse kW power produced by a dropping load in a crane application drove the engine into over speed conditions when it exceeded the ability of the engine to absorb it, the reverse kVAR load presented by leading power factor devices will drive the alternator into over voltage conditions.

A generator has a digital automatic voltage regulator (AVR) equipment, separate excitation systems, and PWM-type control architecture to enable the generator set to produce and stable output voltage and successfully operate non-linear loads.