This paper describes simple control structures for a vector controlled stand-alone induction generator (IG) for use under variable speeds. Different control principles, indirect vector control and deadbeat current control, are developed for a voltage source PWM converter and the three-phase variable speed squirrel-cage IG to regulate DC-link and generator voltages with a newly designed phase locked loop circuit. The required reactive power for the variable speed IG is supplied by means of a PWM converter and a capacitor bank to buildup the voltage of the IG without the need for a battery, to reduce the rating of the PWM converter while using only three sensors and to eliminate the harmonics generated by the PWM converter. These proposed schemes can be used efficiently for variable speed wind energy conversion systems. The measurements of the IG systems at various speeds and loads are given and show that these systems are capable of good AC and DC voltage regulation.