What Does Phase Mean in Three Phase Supply?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of three-phase supply in electrical systems, specifically exploring the meaning of "phase" and its implications in power transmission. Participants seek clarification on the basic principles of three-phase systems, including the relationship between the three wires and their respective voltages.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term "phase" in the context of three-phase supply, asking for a basic explanation.
  • Another participant suggests that "phase" refers to the angular difference between the voltages on the three wires, noting that in a three-phase system, the voltages are 120 degrees apart.
  • It is mentioned that a three-phase system is more efficient than three independent single-phase systems, as it requires fewer wires for the same power transmission.
  • Some participants recommend looking up articles or diagrams for further clarification, indicating that additional resources may help in understanding the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the basic definition of "phase" as it relates to angular displacement in three-phase systems, but there is no consensus on a comprehensive explanation or understanding of the concept among all participants.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external articles for further information, indicating that the discussion may lack detailed technical explanations or diagrams that could aid understanding.

ranju
Messages
221
Reaction score
3
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
You are right that it is quite basic and a simple Google search should turn up a good explanation with diagrams. Basically, it means exactly what it says ... there are three phases of voltages supplied, 120 degrees from each other.
 
ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!
the article above should help.
 
ranju said:
we talk about three phase supply .. I want to know that what actually is three phase..?? Its obvious there are three wires carrying current but what is "phase" ?
Is there something like, transmission line is further divided into three wires ..?? Please explain..its quite basic.. and I am confused..!

The phase means the angular difference between the sinusoidal voltage on one wire to another. For three phase, the angular difference would be 360/3 = 120 deg. Instead of having three independent single phase transmission system which require (phase + neutral wire for each phase) 2*3 = 6 wires, if we go for three phase system with angular displacement of 120 deg we need only (1 wire for each phase and 1 common neutral) 3+1 = 4 wires for the same power transmission.
 

Similar threads

Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K