THREE PHASE SYSTEM

Electric power is generated, transmitted and distributed in the form of three-

phase power. Residential homes and small establishments are wired for
single-phase power, but this merely represents a tap-off from the basic
three-phase system.
Three-Phase systems are preferred over single-phase systems for the
transmission of power.
Reasons:-
1. Thinner conductors can be used to transmit the same KVA at the same
voltage, which reduces the amount of copper required, and in turn
reduces construction and maintenance costs.
2. The lighter lines are easier to install, and the supporting structures can
be less massive and further apart.
3. The voltage regulation of three-phase transmission lines is slightly
better than single-phase.
4. Three-phase equipment and motors have preferred running and
starting characteristics compared to single-phase systems because of a
more even flow of power to the transducer than can be delivered with a
single-phase supply.
5. In general, most large motors are three-phase because they are
essentially self-starting and do not required a special design or
additional starting circuitry.

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AC circuits fed by a source generating
one single sinusoidal voltage and such
a systems are known as single-phase
systems characterizing a pulsating
power.

In power systems, three-phase sources

generating three sinusoidal phase
voltages are used. Basically, the
properties of each phase is the same as
the single phase, except in three phase
system, the signals are made up from
three single phase system. Normally,
the phases are addressed as Red,
Yellow and Blue phase respectively, or
A, B and C phase.

Dr. Nashiren Farzilah, Sem 2

2015/2016 3
The three phases are can be connected in either as Star (Wye) or Delta
connection.

For Star connection, it is generally connected in star with the neutral-

point, which usually grounded to earth. This type of connection can be
used for both generating source and load.

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VAB, VBC, and VCA are the line-to-line Voltage, VLL or sometimes called line
voltage. This is the voltage when measured between the phases.

VAN, VBN, and VCN are the line-to-neutral Voltage, VLN or sometimes called
phase voltage, VPH. This is the voltage when measured between the phase
and neutral point.

For star connection, line current, IA, IB and IC is also the phase current.

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Advantages of Delta connection is it suppress the 3rd Harmonics.
They circulate around the closed Delta loop – i.e. they do not appear
in ‘lines’.

Disadvantage is there is no earth point.

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Single Phase Three Phase
AC Power = 230~240 V AC Power = 440 or 560 V
Only has one sine wave Use three, separate sine
voltage waves that are offse 120
degrees from each other
Needs only two wires to Need at least three wires,
complete the circuit one for each phase
Simple Complicated
Established much before Established later
Increased the conductor Increases the power
needed by 50% delivered by about 73%
Preferred for homes Preferred for industries
Costlier Economical
May not perform better Performs better in
in motors motors
Both are ways of delivering power from one point to
another