Is 3 Phase Power Essential for a Complete Education in Electrical Engineering?

[samdunhamss]

Hello, I am an Electrical Engineering student taking my second circuit analysis course. My program is actually very good and they explain things very well. My main concern is that none of my courses have covered or much less mentioned 3 phase power. My first question is simple: Are they skimping out on something that is imperative to a good education in the field of Electrical Engineering? My second question: Is there a good source that explains this concept in a clear and accessible manner?
A little background - I am well versed in calculus and differential equations and have a strong grasp on single phase power analysis. Despite this, I need material that explains the concept in explicit detail, I strongly dislike steps being skipped.

Any and all responses are greatly appreciated.

 

[denni89627]

Of course 3 phase is important, basically every large motor in any building is a 3 phase motor. Elevators, HVAC, etc. If you have a good foundation on AC, all you need to know is the phases lead/lag each other by 90 degrees. Are you asking how a 3 phase motor works? Motors are the main reason you use 3 phase.

 

[samdunhamss]

More than anything I'm curious about three phase power analysis. I knew motors operate on a polyphase basis. I guess I was just curious if there is a good text which covers circuit analysis with three phases? or would it be like have three sources out of phase with one another connected to a node?

 

[Averagesupernova]

3 phase in the U.S. operates with the three phases 120 degrees out of phase, not 90.

 

[denni89627]

Averagesupernova is 100% correct, my mistake. If you draw out 3 sin waves 120 degrees apart you will see that they would maintain a stable rotation in a motor with poles 120 degrees apart as well.

connecting 3 phases to a node would be Wye operation, you would be well served to study Delta operation also. Industrial motors perform mostly in Delta. A frequency driven or soft start type motor is usually running in Delta. Older contactor run motors usually spin up in wye, then transfer to delta. You probably already knew this, but I figure it's worth mentioning. I wish I could be more help as to a source for analysis.