Power formula for 3-phase motor

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SUMMARY

The power formula for a 3-phase Y-connected motor is defined as P = sqrt(3) Vt * Ia * Cos(theta) and P = sqrt(3) Vt * E * sin(sigma) / Xs. These formulas apply to both delta and star configurations, with the factor of sqrt(3) arising from the geometric relationship of the three-phase system. The total power required from the power company, expressed in volt-amperes (VA), is calculated using P = V * I * 1.73, where 1.73 represents the square root of three. To deliver 10 horsepower (HP) to the motor shaft, approximately 14 HP is necessary due to power losses in the magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3-phase electrical systems
  • Familiarity with power factor (PF) and its calculation
  • Knowledge of vector analysis in electrical engineering
  • Basic trigonometry and geometry principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the power factor in 3-phase systems
  • Learn about the differences between star and delta motor configurations
  • Explore the impact of capacitors on power factor correction
  • Investigate the role of magnetic fields in motor efficiency
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Electrical engineers, motor control specialists, and anyone involved in the design or analysis of 3-phase motor systems will benefit from this discussion.

Ahmedzica
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What is the power formula for 3-phase Y connected motor. I've read that

P = sqrt(3) Vt*Ia*Cos(theta)
and P = sqrt(3) Vt*E*sin(sigma)/Xs

Where sigma is the the angel between Vt and E
Is that 2 formulas hold true for both delta and star connected 3 phase motor? and if so, Where the sqrt(3) came from?
 
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If you are referring to the amps actually coming thru the lines (what would be read by an ampmeter) you would use the formula P=V*I*1.73. This is the total power needed from power company to make the motor run. This is what is referred to as VA.

The actual power from the shaft is going to be somewhat less. Like you say above P=V*I*1.73*PF (power factor)...or you could say Cos(theta) instead of PF..same thing. This number is expressed in watts or horsepower (HP)

So to deliver 10 HP (10*745=7450 watts) to the shaft of a motor, it may take 14 HP (14*745=10,430 VA) worth of electricity to make this happen. Some say the extra power is "used" in the magnetic field of motor. You can alter PF with capacitors, but that is another story.

Where does 1.73 come from? Take the vector form and set 3 vectors 120 degrees apart from each other. If want line to line, you must subtract phase B from phase A for example...voltage is always the DIFFERENCE between to points. So knowing this you must flip the vector B a complete 180 degrees (the opposite or DIFFERENCE). This will now give you 60 degrees between the two vectors, which you now add. Using simple trigonometry or geometry, you will see the resultant vector (line to line voltage) is now 1.73, or the square root of three multipled by your line to neutral voltage. (original length of vectors). Also, the resultant vector just shifted 30 degrees.

To answer the question of different formulas for star or delta motors...the power formula (VA) will be the same if the current is measured outside of the motor, P=V*I*1.73

If you measure the current inside the motor in the delta to be exact, that is the only time you will need to alter the power formula.
 
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Couple interesting links:

Page 267 of this link shows what I'm talking about above. The entire article will easily answer your questions.
http://www.ahmetkucuker.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Three-Phase_Circuits.pdf

This link shows the three current vectors in rotation with their resultant vector:
http://www.ece.umn.edu/users/riaz/animations/spacevectors.html
 
Last edited:
Thanks psparky!
 

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