The control system comprises a switch (TR) in series with a stator winding (W) between two terminals (A, B) connected to an alternating supply voltage source (V), a first detector circuit (2) capable of providing a signal (Voi) indicating when the current (I) in that winding (W) is zero, a second detector circuit (1) capable of providing a signal (Vw) indicating the magnitude of the supply voltage (V), and a control unit (MC) connected to the first and second detection circuits (2; 1) and designed to control the switch (TR) in such a way as to cause an alternating current (I) of the same frequency as the supply voltage (V) and having alternating positive and negative phases (11, 12) to pass through the winding (W), separated by intervals during which it remains at zero, of a duration (tp) which varies according to an increasing function of the magnitude of the supply voltage (V).