What is 3 phase: Definition and 132 Discussions

In electrical engineering, three-phase electric power systems have at least three conductors carrying alternating voltages that are offset in time by one-third of the period. A three-phase system may be arranged in delta (∆) or star (Y) (also denoted as wye in some areas). A wye system allows the use of two different voltages from all three phases, such as a 230/400 V system which provides 230 V between the neutral (centre hub) and any one of the phases, and 400 V across any two phases. A delta system arrangement only provides one voltage, but it has a greater redundancy as it may continue to operate normally with one of the three supply windings offline, albeit at 57.7% of total capacity. Harmonic current in the neutral may become very large if nonlinear loads are connected.

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  1. T

    Calculating Three Phase Power Load: Help & Homework Statement

    Homework Statement I have an exam coming up and one of the practice questions is as follows A 415V 50Hz three phase supply energises a balanced star-connected load through a three phase feeder with a per-phase series impedance of Zline = ( 0.165 + j0.413 ). A power meter at the source end of...
  2. D

    Types of equipment required to protect 3 phase generators+transformers

    Hi I have been trying to find the types of equipment required to protect 3 phase generators+transformers for a while now but I just cannot seem to find anything. If you could help me out and give me examples of the equipment it would be greatly appreciated Thanks
  3. E

    3 Phase Rotor / Stator Swapping ?

    3 Phase Rotor / Stator Swapping ? I have been toying around with the following idea : (specific application project) Normally a stator is the external housing of a motor and is fixed to a structure - the rotor is the shaft through the middle of this stator etc. and is rotating at ...x... RPM...
  4. L

    Troubleshooting Strange Noise from 250kw 3 Phase Motor

    Hi guys I have been testing a brand new 250kw 3 motor wired in delta. I have it connected to a 170 amp vfd with no load for testing. It draws 105 amps at 50hz and is balanced. Intermittently the motor makes a strange that i have not heard before. It sounds like a spoon taping another...
  5. I

    Control torque of 3 phase motor

    Dear all, This is a newbie asking for some information. Actually, we have 1x30HP, 2x10HP motors working at our workplace. When we start the motors there is a lot of torque generated due to which our grid supply charges us penalty every month. We need information about the device(s) that...
  6. M

    Solve the Mystery of Y or Delta 3 Phase

    Hello, For our final lab we will be given a box with three wires, the neuter is missing. In the box there is a Y or delta configuration and we can use everything to find out if it is a Y or a delta configuration. So, voltmeters or watt meters, or even something like tin foil. Can someone...
  7. B

    Sizing 3 Phase motor run capacitors

    Hello everyone, Thanks in advance for any wisdom you can offer regarding this matter, I just joined physicsforums.com and am now wondering why I haven't been a member all along... My crudentials: I'm an electrician that went part way through college for electrical engineering, however Its...
  8. J

    Engineering 3 PHASE CIRCUIT PROBLEM - Haaalllppp

    Homework Statement Three load each having a resistance of 16 ohms and an inductive reactance of 12 ohms are wye connected to a 240V three phase supply. Determine: a) the impedance per phase b) the current per phase c) the kVA total d) the Power Factor e) the kW total Homework...
  9. J

    Engineering P= 1.732 X 230V X 42A X 0.85 = 10,731.06 W or 10.73 kW

    3 PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR A 15 hp/230V, three phase induction motor has a full load current of 42A per terminal. 15HP= 11kW find: a) Full load kVA input b) If the full load power factor is lagging 0.85, what is the kW input. My question: How do I know whether its connected Wye or Delta?a) kVA=...
  10. T

    3 Phase Electric Power Question

    I have a question and am wondering if reddit can help. In a 3 phase power system, the overall total power is meant to remain constant. Now, I understand that the individual powers are meant to vary, but as a system, it is supposed to be a constant. If you could take a look at this "code" if you...
  11. jegues

    3 Phase Transformer Input Line Current (Δ-Y)

    Homework Statement A 25 MVA, 69kV/660V 60Hz, Δ-Y connected three-phase power transformer has an equivalent series impedance of 2.28 + j17.15Ω, a croe loss resistance of 15235.2Ω and a magnetizing reactance of 5078.4Ω all referred to the HV side. The transformer delivers 20MVA to a...
  12. jegues

    3 Phase VSC SPWM (Triple-n harmonics)

    Why is it that we accept triple-n harmonics in the output voltage spectrum of VSCs? Assume we are using SPWM where the frequency modulation index is selected to be a large odd integer multiple of 3. Thanks again!
  13. R

    Calculating Phase Current and Power Factor in a Y Connected Generator

    Homework Statement A Y connected, 400V (line), 100KVA rated, stand alone generator is operating at 80kW at rated current with a lagging power factor and rated terminal voltage. The synchronous reactance is 2Ω. Draw the per phase equivalent circuit and calculate: (i) The Phase Current (Iph)...
  14. W

    How to calculate reactive power for 3 phase induction motor

    Hi all, I would like to install Capacitor Bank into my control panel board which contains of few 10HP induction motors. Currently I'm just able to measure the Ampere for every induction motor by using current meter. How to calculate the reactive power for 10HP 3phase 4pole induction motor by...
  15. M

    3 phase, star connected system

    1. Statement A star connected load of 3300 kVA at 18 kV and a power factor of 0,8 lagging is supplied by a three-phase transmission line having a resistance of 4Ω per phase and an inductive reactance of 7Ω per phase. Determine: a. the sending-end voltage b. the percentage regulation c...
  16. C

    3 phase high current ripple suppression

    I am building an on-board generator for a small aircraft (AUW = ~ 10kg). The fuel motor is rated at 1.8 kW and it directly drives a 3 phase AC motor. The rpm will be regulated at roughly 8k so I think the frequency of the AC output will be around 133 Hz. The AC motor produces 1 volt per 260 RPM...
  17. R

    Trouble with calculating 3 Phase Power

    Hi, I think I am correct, but just wanted to check. We have some furnaces and I want to work out what power they run at. I have a scope with a current clamp and voltage probe. I have set the scope to read out power and power factor. That is where my problem lies, I think. I should have set...
  18. G

    3 phase step down tranformer

    Hi! I have one question. Assume a source of about 20KV and 4 Amps. This source needs to be connected to a transformer in order to vary the voltage and current into desirable amounts. The ideal transformer takes the input power and gives out the same power as output. My question is: I...
  19. J

    Current Transformers on each core of a 3 phase line

    Hi folks, I'm a Mech Eng who is trying his hand at some Electrical design so please forgive my ignorance. My set-up is as follows: I have a 3 phase source powering a 3 phase induction motor. If I then went half way along my power cable and put a separate current transformer on each of the...
  20. M

    V/f speed control of 3 phase Induction motors

    When the voltage / frequency is maintained constant in 3 phase Induction motor i.e. flux is maintained constant by changing the voltage and frequency in same proportion, What is the torque proportionality equation. Whether Torque is proportional to Slip X Frequency or Torque is...
  21. B

    Engineering How Do Reactors Affect Short Circuit Current in a 3-Phase Power System?

    Homework Statement A 3-phase, 10KV, busbar of a power station is divided into three sections joined by two reactors as shown in Figure 1. Each section contains a synchronous generator and supplies a transmission line through a transformer. The parameters of generators, reactors and...
  22. S

    Determining total power in a 3 phase system and star capacitance?

    Homework Statement A 415V, 50 Hz three phase supply supplies three balanced loads which draw a total apparent power (S) of 38 kVA at a power factor of 0.78 lagging. The three loads are as follows: LOAD 1 (STAR): 10.6 kVA at a power factor of 0.57 lagging; LOAD 2 (DELTA): 20 kW...
  23. I_am_learning

    Applying Same phases to a 3 phase transformer

    while reading about sequence networks, I realized this. Suppose I apply same phase to the primary of Star-Delta transformer, say instead of applying A,B, and C phase to the three terminals, I mistakenly apply A,A and A phase to all the terminals, <Neutral is applied appropriately>. Then since...
  24. T

    3 phase vs 1 phase generator

    So I have been trying to figure out the actual advantages that a 3 phase generator has over a 1 phase generator. I have been trying to find a mathimatical proof as to why 3 phase is more efficient. I have looked everywhere and have not been able to find an answer. I know how to prove that 3...
  25. T

    How can I use a three phase WYE alternator to charge a battery with a DC output?

    So I am trying to figure out how to wire a three phase generator. I understand the WYE connection, but I am stumped about the load connections and specifically what to do then. The generator will be connected to a wind turbine so I will be needing to charge batteries. So my main question is...
  26. T

    Three Phase Generator Wiring for Wind Turbine Battery Charging

    So I am trying to figure out how to wire a three phase generator. I understand the WYE connection, but I am stumped about the load connections and specifically what to do then. The generator will be connected to a wind turbine so I will be needing to charge batteries. So my main question is...
  27. R

    Creating 300VAC for 3 Phase Variable Frequency Drive Testing

    Hello all, I have a 3 phase Variable frequence drive that requires an input voltage of 380-480VAC. I would like to test what would happen if I apply 300VAC to the drive. I have access to 208V and 440V. Is there anything I can do to obtain 300V? I have thought about a variable power supply...
  28. H

    3 phase (Neutral) Transformer

    Hi We have a project where we have to install an HVAC system but only a 3-phase supply is available. While that is fine for the motors inside the unit, it means that there is no neutral available for the control circuitry. I am aware that a "zig-zag" isolating transformer can provide a...
  29. C

    3 phase generator output voltage formula

    Greetings, According to Faraday, a single phase generator ideal output voltage is: V = N*A*2PI*RPM/60*B Then should a three phase be: V = N*A*2PI*RPM/60* B * SQRT(3) ? I'm trying to build a spreadsheet to get ballpark numbers for simple variable speed generator design, but having difficulty...
  30. T

    Engineering Transmission line 3 phase double circuit problem

    Hi, i just need some help with something, I have been given a question to solve. I need to find a) sending end current, b) sending end power factor c) full load active power losses of a three phase "double Circuit" transmission line...I know how to calculate all of those for a three phase...
  31. T

    Line current and phase current in a 3 phase 3 wire system.

    A short question: Why and how is the line current equal to the phase current in the 3phase- 3wire system?
  32. D

    Dave's 3-Phase Power Question: Re-winding an Alternator

    This is my first post on this forum and my electronics education has a long way to go so please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I've been learning about 3 phase power lately and I have been wondering if an experiment I want to do is worth it. Anyway, I want to rewind a 3 phase...
  33. P

    Engineering Line Current for 30kW 3 phase motor

    Homework Statement Calculate the line current required for a 30kW 3 phase motor having a power factor of 0.85 lagging if it is connected to a balanced source with a line voltage of 440V.Homework Equations P=√3Vl*IlCos ∅ Il=\frac{P}{√3VlCos ∅} P=Average Power Il=Line Current Vl=Line Voltage...
  34. C

    Why industrial motors etc need 3 phase power?

    Why industrial motors etc need 3 phase power and something like a TGV (high-speed train) only needs 1 phase (25 kV AC railway electrification), and yet its capable of such performance?
  35. S

    Hi all, I have a 90kva 3 phase 440volt/220volt stepdown

    Hi all, I have a 90kva 3 phase 440volt/220volt stepdown transformer. When i test on no load ie secondary not connected to anything but the power is on, i get 220v between phases but to Earth or ground i get 1st phase 150volts 2nd phase 104volts 3rd phase 150volts Does this mean my...
  36. B

    120 volt to 440 volt 3 phase

    Hi there, i'm trying to do a technical paper on converting 120 volt single phase to 440 volt 3 phase for a diving tender boat. Does anyone know what things i should be concerned about when trying to convert the power. The boat usually runs in generators alongside but, i was hoping to hookup...
  37. C

    Calculate Inductor for 3-phase Rectifier Ripple <20%

    in three phase rectification at say 50 hz the dc output ripple will be in 6 times the supply frequency, when choosing an inductor to smooth this ripple to <20% of the output frequency,what formula should be used. also if say the supply frequency was 100 hz is it correct to persume that the...
  38. C

    Torque or horsepower needed for 3 phase gearmotor, brake, VFD

    I’ve built a light weight frame for a hoist which only needs to lift around 500 lbs. The cable spool needs to hold 250’ of 3/16 cable that can lift a submersible pump from that depth. The hoist will also be used to develop the well and without going into great detail about this, I’ll just say...
  39. S

    Engineering Troubleshooting 3 Phase Motor Rotation: Causes & Solutions

    Homework Statement List two causes of reverse rotation in a three phase motor. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I've already listed incorrect phase termination as my first solution, but I'm stumped on the second. These are supposed to be "quick fix" solutions, no...
  40. E

    AC induction motor reverse 3 phase

    What happens if an big AC induction motor is running with full load an your suddenly reverse the 3 phase?
  41. R

    How Can I Automatically Balance a 3-Phase Electrical System at Home?

    My home is supplied by 3-phase electricity. When the electricians installed the system, they made guesses at how to balance the loads across the 3 phases. The country that I live in limits the amount of power available through each phase with a closed box that trips out if ANY ONE of the...
  42. K

    Measuring 3 phase power current

    Hi there all I'm looking to measure current in 3 phase cables, and would like some advice on any current clamp models you'd like to recommend. However, I'm not entirely certain on the method as well; I've used current clamps before on single phase cables, and I'm aware that you need to clamp...
  43. R

    How do I calculate the power factor of a 3 phase synchronous generator?

    When I have the Vphase (254 V) S phase (6.2KVA) and I (24A) ? Help !
  44. D

    3 phase 4 wire conductors radiated electromagnetic interference?

    If you have a 3 phase 4 wire distribution where the 3 phase conductors and 1 neutral is inside a pvc conduit, how would you model the force of the electromagnetic field at a certain distance away from the conduit? Assuming the loads are balanced, the currents would sum to zero on the...
  45. T

    3 phase motor wireing for specific voltage

    my outlet reads 240 across any two of three leads. Can I assume it is 240 3phase rather than 460 which I also have at the same location. What would 460 read across the leads? Thanks Tom
  46. S

    Power Amplifier output to 3 Phase Motor

    Hello Everyone, I have a question about how power amplifiers output their power to 3 phase motors. I am using a copley xtl power amplifier to power a 3 phase motor, i want to use a relay to interrupt that motor current but I am not sure how to size it. If the peak output of the amplifier is...
  47. D

    Converting 3 Phase to Single Phase for UK 240v Power Supply

    Hi there, Need your help guys. I need to convert the attached 3 phase power supply to a normal UK 240v power supply. Can this be easily achieved without major costs in converters/transformers?
  48. J

    3 Phase Systems (Problem)

    Could someone tell me the general approach for a problem of this nature or lead me to useful information. Problem A 415V, 50Hz, three-phase motor takes a line current of 15A when operating at a lagging power factor of 0.65. When a capacitor bank is connected across the motor terminals, the...
  49. O

    3 phase joining in series, possible?

    3 phase joining in series, possible?? Hello good people. I need to run a brushless motor on an esc but the equivalent speed controller is three times the price of motor. I was wondering if it is possible to connect TWO output 3 phase current in series in an effort to stack up the voltage...
  50. Evil Bunny

    Why does multiplying 120 by 1.73 give me 208 volts in a 3 phase system?

    Ok... This is a simple question that I'm having a hard time with. I'm forgetting something that I learned and I want to clear it up... I know that a 120/208 3 phase system has 3 hot leads that are 120 degrees out of phase with each other with respect to the neutral. If you multiply 120 X...
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