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Basic electricity is often explained using the so called water/electricity analogy. This works, but I've never understood three-phase power. Can this also be explained using somewhat the same analogy?
sophiecentaur said:...with an analogy which is flawed from the start.
Averagesupernova said:EVERY analogy is flawed. They only work so far. Some analogies are better than others and water in a hose is soooooo common that it helps most people.
sophiecentaur said:...From some of the posts on this and all other threads about it, I can see that there are some really staunch supporters. With enough 'religious' fervour, it's possible to stretch and stretch an analogy until it fits a bit better. But, once you get to that pont, it will just serve to confuse the beginner even more than the more rigorous method using R,V,I etc...
kbaegis said:You seem to have very strong opinions on the use of this analogy. Rather than address those, I think I'll refer you to this book on catastrophic interference: http://books.google.com/books?hl=en...=onepage&q=catastrophic interference&f=false"
The general theory, at least as I understand it, is that simplifying systems to accommodate sequential learning methodologies might be the wrong answer for back-propagation networks. It creates catastrophic interference, which is demonstrably undesirable. The use of analogy helps by creating a cognitive stepping stone from which we can draw similarities to and differences from the analogue without detracting from the overall retention and recall.
But the O.P. wasn't asking for opinions. He was asking for the provided analogy.
Three-phase power is a type of electrical power transmission that uses three alternating currents that are offset in phase by 120 degrees. This is different from single-phase power, which only uses one alternating current.
Three-phase power is more efficient and can deliver more power compared to single-phase power. It also allows for smaller and more cost-effective wiring, making it a preferred choice for larger industrial and commercial applications.
In the water/electricity analogy, the three phases of electricity are compared to three different pipes carrying water. The pipes are connected at the source and each carries a different amount of water, which represents the different phases of electricity. Just like how the different pipes can work together to deliver more water, the three phases of electricity can work together to deliver more power.
The main purpose of using three-phase power is to efficiently distribute electricity to larger systems, such as industrial machinery and large buildings. It also allows for better power balance and stability, reducing the risk of power outages and equipment damage.
Yes, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind when working with three-phase power. It is important to always follow proper safety procedures and wear appropriate protective gear when handling electricity. Additionally, because three-phase power systems have higher voltages, it is important to have a qualified electrician handle any installation or maintenance work.