Unit Ii - Notes

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
(2307101)
UNIT II: Three Phase Electrical Systems
1.
A three-phase system is a method of generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical
power. It's a type of polyphase system, meaning it uses multiple alternating currents
(AC) that are out of phase with each other. Three-phase systems are widely used in
various applications due to their efficiency, especially in industrial and commercial
settings.
Here are the key components and concepts of a three-phase system:

1. Phases:
- A three-phase system consists of three separate AC voltages or currents that are 120
degrees out of phase with each other. These are typically labelled as Phase A, Phase B,
and Phase C.
- Each phase has its own sine wave, and together they form a balanced system.
2. Phase Sequence:
- The order in which the phases cycle is known as the phase sequence. It can be either
clockwise (positive sequence), counter-clockwise (negative sequence), or a
combination of both (zero sequence).
3. Phase Angle:
- The angular displacement between phases is 120 degrees in a balanced three-phase
system. This creates a smooth and continuous flow of power.
4. Generation:
- In power generation, three-phase systems are commonly used to produce electricity.
Most power plants generate three-phase AC, and this form is preferred for its efficiency
and ability to handle heavy loads.
5. Advantages:
- Efficiency: Three-phase systems are more efficient for transmitting and distributing
power over long distances compared to single-phase systems.
- Balanced Loads: They allow for balanced loads across the phases, reducing the need
for larger, costly equipment.
- Motor Performance: Three-phase motors are widely used in industrial applications
due to their high efficiency and smooth operation.
6. Applications:
- Industrial Machinery: Three-phase power is used to operate heavy machinery,
pumps, compressors, and other industrial equipment.
- Commercial Buildings: Many commercial buildings receive three-phase power for
elevators, air conditioning, and other large systems.
- Power Distribution: It's used extensively in power distribution networks to
efficiently deliver electricity to homes and businesses.
7. Delta and Wye (Star) Connections:
- These are two common configurations for connecting three-phase systems.
- Delta Connection: In this setup, the windings of the generator or transformer are
connected in the shape of a delta (Δ).
- Wye (Star) Connection: Here, the windings are connected in a Y shape.
8. Colour Codes:
- Different regions have specific colour codes for identifying the different phases. For
instance, in the US, Phase A is often black, Phase B is red, and Phase C is blue.
9. Transformers:
- Transformers are used to step up or step down the voltage in a three-phase system
for transmission or distribution.
10. Unbalanced Systems:
- In practical situations, the loads on the three phases may not be exactly equal,
resulting in an unbalanced system. This can lead to issues like voltage drop and motor
overheating.
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2.
Delta and Star connections are two common configurations used in three-phase
electrical systems to connect loads, generators, and transformers. They determine how
the three phases are connected together. Let's explore each connection:
Delta Connection (Δ):
- In a delta configuration, the windings of the generator or transformer are connected
in the shape of a triangle or delta symbol (Δ).
- Each end of the winding is connected to one of the phases, and the three-phase outputs
are taken from the three remaining connections.
- In a delta system, the line voltage is equal to the phase voltage. However, the line
current is √3 times the phase current.
- This connection is commonly used in industrial settings and for power transmission.
- Delta connections are preferred in situations where the load is mostly balanced.
- The delta configuration is known for its robustness and ability to handle unbalanced
loads.
- Delta-connected systems do not have a neutral wire.
Star Connection (Y or Wye):

- In a star configuration, the windings of the generator or transformer are connected in
the shape of a star or letter "Y".
- One end of each winding is connected together at a central point, called the neutral.
The three-phase outputs are then taken from the other ends of the windings.
- In a star system, the line current is equal to the phase current, but the line voltage is
√3 times the phase voltage.
- Star connections are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings.
- The star configuration provides a neutral wire, which is important for distributing
single-phase power to devices.
- It is suitable for situations where the loads are likely to be unbalanced.
- Star-connected systems are generally more flexible for handling single-phase loads.
Comparison:
- Delta systems are more robust and better for handling unbalanced loads, making them
suitable for industrial applications.
- Star systems are more common in residential and commercial settings due to their
ability to provide a neutral wire and handle single-phase loads.
- Delta systems have higher line currents, which can lead to higher losses in the
distribution system.
- Star systems are more flexible for distributing single-phase power and are often used
in situations where loads may vary.
- In practice, the choice between delta and star connections depends on factors like the
type of load, the level of balancing, and the specific requirements of the application.
Both delta and star connections have their own advantages and are used in different
contexts based on the specific needs of the electrical system. Understanding these
configurations is crucial for designing and operating efficient three-phase systems.
Star (Y) Connection Delta (Δ) Connection
In STAR connection, the starting or finishing In DELTA connection, the opposite ends of
ends (Similar ends) of three coils are three coils are connected together. In other
connected together to form the neutral point. words, the end of each coil is connected with
A common wire is taken out from the neutral the start of another coil, and three wires are
point which is called Neutral. taken out from the coil joints
There is a Neutral or Star Point No Neutral Point in Delta Connection
Three phase four wire system is derived from

Three phase three wire system is derived from
Star Connections (3-Phase, 4 Wires System)
Delta Connections (3-Phase, 3 Wires
We may Also derived 3 Phase 3 Wire System
System)
from Star Connection
Line Voltage is √3 times of Phase Voltage. i.e. Line Voltage is Equal to Phase Voltage. i.e.
VL = √3 VPH VL = VPH
Line Current is Equal to Phase Current. IL = Line Current is √3 times of Phase Current. i.e.
IPH IL = √3 IPH
The Total Power of three phases could be The Total Power of three phases could be
found by found by
W = √3 x VL x IL x CosФ OR W = √3 x VL x IL x CosФ OR
W = 3 x VPH x IPH x CosФ W = 3 x VPH x IPH x CosФ
The speeds of Delta connected motors are

The speeds of Star connected motors are slow
high because each phase gets the total of line
as they receive 1/√3 voltage.
voltage
In Star Connection, the phase voltage is low as In Delta connection, The phase voltage is
1/√3 of the line voltage, so, it needs low equal to the line voltage, hence, it needs more
number of turns, hence, saving in copper. number of turns.
Low insulation required as phase voltage is Heavy insulation required as Phase voltage =
low Line Voltage.
In Power Distribution and industries, Star In Power Transmission, Delta Connection is

Connection system is general to be used. general to be used.
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ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

UNIT II: Three Phase Electrical Systems

Here are the key components and concepts of a three-phase system:

Star Connection (Y or Wye):

Star (Y) Connection Delta (Δ) Connection

There is a Neutral or Star Point No Neutral Point in Delta Connection

Three phase four wire system is derived from

The speeds of Delta connected motors are

In Power Distribution and industries, Star In Power Transmission, Delta Connection is

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