A universal mathematical model of an autonomous asynchronous generator with capacitor self-excitation in retarded phase coordinates is proposed, taking into account the electromagnetic connections between the windings of the stator and rotor phases, saturation of the main magnetic circuit, and active power losses in the magnetic circuit elements. The model provides an opportunity to analyze stable periodic modes and transient electromagnetic and electromechanical processes in autonomous power supply systems with arbitrary switching schemes of its elements and asynchronous generators. The model provides the possibility of taking into account the residual magnetization of the magnetic circuit of an asynchronous generator and the change in rotor speed during the course of the self-excitation process of an asynchronous generator with a grounded neutral of the stator winding and an asymmetric load. References 10, figures 2.