⚡Electrical Circuits and Systems I Unit 12 – Three–Phase Circuits

Fundamentals of Three-Phase Systems

• Three-phase systems consist of three sinusoidal voltage sources with equal magnitudes and a phase difference of 120 degrees between each source
• Commonly used in power generation, transmission, and distribution due to their efficiency and ability to deliver constant power
• Require fewer conductors compared to equivalent single-phase systems, reducing material costs and simplifying installation
• Provide a smoother torque in electric motors, making them suitable for industrial applications
• Enable the use of smaller, lighter, and more economical transformers and generators
• Offer better power factor correction capabilities compared to single-phase systems
• Facilitate the cancellation of harmonic currents, resulting in a cleaner power supply

Three-Phase Voltage and Current Relationships

• In a balanced three-phase system, the voltages and currents have equal magnitudes and are phase-shifted by 120 degrees
• The phase sequence can be either ABC (positive sequence) or ACB (negative sequence)
• The line voltage is the voltage between any two phases and is equal to $\sqrt{3}$ times the phase voltage
  • For example, if the phase voltage is 120V, the line voltage would be $120V \times \sqrt{3} = 208V$
• The line current is equal to the phase current in a balanced system
• The relationship between phase and line voltages and currents depends on the system configuration (delta or wye)
• In a wye-connected system, the line voltage is $\sqrt{3}$ times the phase voltage, while the line current is equal to the phase current
• In a delta-connected system, the line voltage is equal to the phase voltage, while the line current is $\sqrt{3}$ times the phase current

Delta and Wye Configurations

• Three-phase systems can be connected in either delta ($\Delta$) or wye (Y) configurations
• In a delta configuration, the three phases are connected in a closed loop, forming a triangle
  • The line voltage is equal to the phase voltage ($V_{line} = V_{phase}$)
  • The line current is $\sqrt{3}$ times the phase current ($I_{line} = \sqrt{3} \times I_{phase}$)
• In a wye configuration, the three phases are connected to a common neutral point, forming a Y-shape
  • The line voltage is $\sqrt{3}$ times the phase voltage ($V_{line} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{phase}$)
  • The line current is equal to the phase current ($I_{line} = I_{phase}$)
• The choice between delta and wye configurations depends on factors such as voltage levels, load requirements, and available equipment
• Delta configurations are commonly used in high-voltage transmission systems and industrial applications
• Wye configurations are often used in low-voltage distribution systems and residential applications

Power in Three-Phase Circuits

• The total power in a balanced three-phase system is the sum of the power in each phase
• The total power can be calculated using the formula: $P_{total} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{line} \times I_{line} \times \cos{\phi}$
  • $V_{line}$ is the line voltage
  • $I_{line}$ is the line current
  • $\cos{\phi}$ is the power factor (the cosine of the angle between voltage and current)
• The power factor is an important consideration in three-phase systems, as it affects the efficiency of power transmission and the sizing of equipment
• A power factor close to 1 indicates an efficient system with minimal reactive power
• Power factor correction techniques, such as the use of capacitor banks, can be employed to improve the power factor and reduce losses
• In a balanced three-phase system, the total reactive power is zero, as the reactive power in each phase cancels out

Balanced vs. Unbalanced Loads

• A balanced three-phase load is one in which the impedances of all three phases are equal and the phase angles between the voltages and currents are the same
• In a balanced system, the currents in each phase are equal in magnitude and phase-shifted by 120 degrees
• Unbalanced loads occur when the impedances or power consumption in each phase are not equal
• Unbalanced loads can cause several issues, such as:
  • Increased neutral current in wye-connected systems
  • Overheating of motors and transformers
  • Reduced efficiency and power quality
  • Voltage imbalances between phases
• To mitigate the effects of unbalanced loads, techniques such as load balancing, the use of phase-shifting transformers, or the installation of static var compensators can be employed
• It is important to design and maintain three-phase systems to minimize load imbalances and ensure optimal performance

Three-Phase Transformers

• Three-phase transformers are used to step up or step down voltages in three-phase systems
• They can be connected in various configurations, such as delta-delta, delta-wye, wye-delta, or wye-wye
• The choice of transformer configuration depends on factors such as voltage levels, grounding requirements, and load characteristics
• Delta-connected transformers provide isolation between the primary and secondary windings, making them suitable for ungrounded systems or applications requiring high fault current capability
• Wye-connected transformers allow for the use of a neutral conductor, which can be grounded for safety and to facilitate the connection of single-phase loads
• Three-phase transformers are more efficient and economical compared to using three single-phase transformers
• The kVA rating of a three-phase transformer is $\sqrt{3}$ times the kVA rating of an equivalent single-phase transformer
• Proper selection and sizing of three-phase transformers are crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery

Practical Applications and Examples

• Three-phase systems are widely used in various industries and applications, such as:
  • Electric power generation and distribution (power plants, substations, and transmission lines)
  • Industrial machinery and equipment (motors, pumps, compressors, and conveyor systems)
  • Commercial buildings and facilities (HVAC systems, elevators, and lighting)
  • Transportation systems (electric railways, ships, and aircraft)
• Example: In a manufacturing plant, a three-phase induction motor is used to drive a large conveyor system. The motor is connected in a delta configuration to the 480V three-phase supply. The motor has a rated power of 50 horsepower and operates at a power factor of 0.85.
• Example: A data center uses a three-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous power delivery to critical IT equipment. The UPS is connected in a wye configuration to the 208V three-phase utility supply and provides a clean, regulated output voltage to the server racks.
• Example: A wind farm generates electricity using multiple three-phase wind turbines. The generated power is stepped up using three-phase transformers and transmitted over long distances using high-voltage transmission lines to substations, where it is then distributed to consumers.

Key Formulas and Calculations

• Line voltage in a wye-connected system: $V_{line} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{phase}$
• Line current in a delta-connected system: $I_{line} = \sqrt{3} \times I_{phase}$
• Total power in a balanced three-phase system: $P_{total} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{line} \times I_{line} \times \cos{\phi}$
• Relationship between phase and line voltages in a wye-connected system: $V_{phase} = \frac{V_{line}}{\sqrt{3}}$
• Relationship between phase and line currents in a delta-connected system: $I_{phase} = \frac{I_{line}}{\sqrt{3}}$
• kVA rating of a three-phase transformer: $kVA_{3\phi} = \sqrt{3} \times kVA_{1\phi}$
• Power factor: $\cos{\phi} = \frac{P}{S}$, where $P$ is active power and $S$ is apparent power
• Reactive power in a balanced three-phase system: $Q_{total} = \sqrt{3} \times V_{line} \times I_{line} \times \sin{\phi}$