Multi-Phase or more then three phase

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of two-phase and three-phase electrical systems, exploring their applications, common usage, and the potential for systems with more than three phases. Participants delve into the definitions and distinctions between these systems, particularly in the context of power transmission and motor operation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that three-phase systems are the most common for electrical transmission, while others challenge the existence of two-phase systems, suggesting that only single-phase systems are recognized in this context.
  • There is a discussion about the term 'split phase,' with some arguing that it refers to two phases 180 degrees apart, while others question the appropriateness of this terminology.
  • One participant mentions that multiphase generators could theoretically produce more than three voltages if designed with additional coils, but others express skepticism about the practicality and efficiency of such systems.
  • Some participants emphasize that all power to homes and businesses in the U.S. is derived from three-phase power, while noting that certain configurations, like 120/240 service, still fundamentally operate as single-phase systems.
  • There is a contention regarding the definition of phases and whether systems with transformers and center-tapped secondaries should be classified as two-phase.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and terminology of two-phase systems, with no consensus reached on the definitions or applications of these systems. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of multiphase systems beyond three phases.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in definitions and the historical context of phase terminology, indicating that the understanding of these concepts may vary based on regional practices and technical definitions.

muet
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Hi

i want know about two phase and three phase which is more using?.. In where
and what is use of more then three phase and in where :smile:
thanks
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
muet said:
Hi

i want know about two phase and three phase which is more using?.. In where
and what is use of more then three phase and in where :smile:
thanks

Hi, three phase is by far the most common type of electrical transmission, there is no such thing as two phase, only single phase. more phases are possible and used in such things as stepper motors but I don't believe they are used for power transmission
 
That which is called 'split phase' consists of two phases 180 degrees apart. Why it is bad manners to refer to two phases 180 degrees apart as 'two phase', is beyond me. The original designation of two phase (two phases 90 degrees apart) disappeared from common use 70 years ago. I think it's time to let it go.
 
Phrak said:
That which is called 'split phase' consists of two phases 180 degrees apart. Why it is bad manners to refer to two phases 180 degrees apart as 'two phase', is beyond me. The original designation of two phase (two phases 90 degrees apart) disappeared from common use 70 years ago. I think it's time to let it go.

Its not used in power transmission though, all power to homes and businesses (at least in the US-Im not sure how its done in other countries) is derived from 3 phase power. If you have 120/240 service for example; The pole transformer is connected to a single phase of the three phases of the service line, so a 240 circuit with two "legs" 180 degrees apart is therefore still single phase power. If you look at any 240v appliance it will say "240V, X A, single phase"
 
and about multiphase generator Can they produced more then 3-voltage or there waveform ?
if the have more then three coils?
 
Sure it could be done. As you say, just have more coils.

But the extra complexity of control circuits, transformers and transmission towers would not be worth the effort. I can't think of any example of this being done.

The main point of using 3 phase is that you can have very efficient motors that start without starter coils etc. You get more power than with single phase, but you could get that with more wires or thicker wires.
 
famousken said:
Its not used in power transmission though, all power to homes and businesses (at least in the US-Im not sure how its done in other countries) is derived from 3 phase power. If you have 120/240 service for example; The pole transformer is connected to a single phase of the three phases of the service line, so a 240 circuit with two "legs" 180 degrees apart is therefore still single phase power. If you look at any 240v appliance it will say "240V, X A, single phase"

Yes, I know what it's called. Refer to the definition of phase, or phasor for that matter.
 
Phrak said:
That which is called 'split phase' consists of two phases 180 degrees apart. Why it is bad manners to refer to two phases 180 degrees apart as 'two phase', is beyond me. The original designation of two phase (two phases 90 degrees apart) disappeared from common use 70 years ago. I think it's time to let it go.


I would tend to lean towards not letting it go. It's not 2 phase, or split-phase or whatever before the transformer. So if you are going to call it 2 phase, then you could say that anything that has a power supply with a transformer with a center tapped secondary uses '2 phase'.
-
Incidentally, I'm not sure the term 'split phase' is correct either. Single phase induction motors that have a high resistance starting winding are called split phase.
 
Averagesupernova said:
So if you are going to call it 2 phase, then you could say that anything that has a power supply with a transformer with a center tapped secondary uses '2 phase'.

In fact, it would use two phases.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
937
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
5K