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TUTORIAL 3-phase systems (an Introduction)

Preprint · December 2019

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.21970.50886

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Three-phase systems
[Q1] The windings of a small 3-phase generator produce the following voltages:
va (t ) = 212.132cos ( 314.159t )
 2 
vb (t ) = 212.132cos  314.159t −  (time domain representation)
 3 
 4 
vc (t ) = 212.132cos  314.159t − 
 3 
which are kept constant under normal operating conditions by the generator’s control system. Determine:
(a) The operating frequency of the generator in Hz. [f = 50 Hz]
(b) The peak and RMS values of the winding voltages. [Vm = 212.132 V, Vrms = 150 V]
(c) The phase and line RMS voltages if the windings are star-connected.
[Vphase = 150 V, Vline = 259.8 V]
(d) The phase and line RMS voltages if the windings are delta-connected.
[Vphase =150 V, Vline =150 V]
The generator is connected to a 3-phase load via a 3-wire system, if the system line current is set to 10 A in each case,
determine:
(e) The generator phase current if the windings are star-connected. [Iphase = 10 A]
(f) The generator phase current if the windings are delta-connected. [Iphase = 5.77 A]
[Q2] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q.2, determine the RMS phase and line voltages and currents in the
resistors, the average power dissipated per phase and the total average power dissipated.
va (t ) = 169.7cos ( 62.8t )
(time domain representation)
Rb = 30
[120 V, 207.8 V, 4 A, 4 A, 480 W, 1440 W]
iA

A iB
B
vb + Ra irb
ia + + ira vrb +
ib iN Rb vra
va
n N
vc iC Rc vrc
+ C +
ic
irc
Fig. Q.2. A simple 3-phase, 3- or 4-wire system. (Wye – Wye Circuit).
[Q3] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q3, determine the RMS phase and line voltages and currents in the
resistors, the average power dissipated per phase and the total average power dissipated.
va (t ) = 300 cos (188.5t )
(time domain representation)
Rb = 50
[212 V, 212 V, 4.2 A, 7.3 A, 900 W, 2700 W]
iA

ic vc iC irc vrc
A
+
+

C
ira
Rc irb
+ ia Rb +
va vra vrb
vb + i Ra +
b
iB
B
Fig. Q.3. A simple three-phase, 3-wire system. Delta – Delta Circuit.
[Q4] In a balanced star-star 3-phase system the RMS line voltage is 230 V. The average power dissipated per phase
is 5 kW. If the power factor is 0.7 and lagging, find the load impedance per phase.
[Z = 1.75+1.76]

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 1 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q5] A balanced star-star 3-phase system has a load impedance of (14+j6) per phase and a line impedance of (3+j4)
per phase. If the voltage across the ‘a’-phase load impedance is (12030)V. Calculate each of the source phase
voltages, i.e. Van , Vbn and Vcn
[ Van = 155.437.3 V,Vbn = 155.4 − 82.7 V, Vcn = 155.4 − 202.7 V ]

[Q6] In question [Q6], find the complex power generated by the ‘a’-phase source and the complex power dissipated in
the load impedance connected to that source.
[ 1055 + j620.7 VA , 868.9 + j372.4 VA ]
[Q7] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q.7, determine the total apparent power, average power, reactive power
and power factor.
[11520 VA, 6912 W, 9216 VAR, 0.6*]
VP = 2400
+ A

VP = 240 − 120
+ B

VP = 240 − 240
+ C

9 9 9

12 12 12

Fig. Q.7.

* Note: From the given and calculated data it is not possible to state whether the power factor is lagging or leading.
However, when the load constituent elements are known, as in Fig. Q.7., it is possible to specify that the
power factor is lagging.

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 2 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q1] The windings of a small 3-phase generator produce the following voltages:
va (t ) = 212.132cos ( 314.159t )
 2 
vb (t ) = 212.132cos  314.159t −  (time domain representation)
 3 
 4 
vc (t ) = 212.132cos  314.159t − 
 3 
which are kept constant under normal operating conditions by the generator’s control system. Determine:
(a) The operating frequency of the generator in Hz. [f = 50 Hz]
(b) The peak and RMS values of the winding voltages. [Vm = 212.132 V, Vrms = 150 V]
(c) The phase and line RMS voltages if the windings are star-connected.
[Vphase = 150 V, Vline = 259.8 V]
(d) The phase and line RMS voltages if the windings are delta-connected.
[Vphase =150 V, Vline =150 V]
The generator is connected to a 3-phase load via a 3-wire system, if the system line current is adjusted to
10 A (magnitude) in each phase, determinate:
(e) The generator phase current of the windings are star-connected [Iphase = Iline = 10.0 A]
(f) The generator phase current if the windings are delta connected [Iphase = 5.77 A]

[Q1] Solution

The voltage equation follows the form: v (t ) = Vm cos (t +  ) , as a consequence, using direct inspection:
a) Using the angular speed :
 314.159rad / s
 = 2 f → f = f = f = 50Hz Answer (a)
2 2
b) The peak voltage is: Vm = 212.135V , as a consequence, the RMS voltage is:
Vm 212.135V
Vrms = = = 150V Vrms = 150V Answer (b)
2 2
c) In a star connection the phase voltage is:
Vphase = VP = 150 V (magnitude)
The line voltage is calculated as:
VL = 3VP VL = 3  (150V ) VL = 150 3
Vline = VL = 259.807  260V (magnitude) Answer (c)
d) In a delta connection the phase (VP) and line voltages (VL) are the same as a consequence:
Vphase = Vline = VP = VL = 150 V (magnitude) Answer (d)
e) The generator is connected to a load:
VP = 1500
+ A I P = 10 A

VP = 150120
+ B
LOAD
N
VP = 150 − 120
+ C

In a star connection, the phase (IP) and the line (IL) current are the same, as a consequence:
IL = IP Iphase = Iline = I L = I P = 10 A (magnitude) Answer (e)
f) Considering the generator as a star-connected:
I L = 10 A
A
1500
IP +
B
150 − 120 LOAD
+
+ 150120

C
The phase (IP) and the line (IL) current are related by:
Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 3 of 12
SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

IL 10 A
IP = IP = Iphase = I P = 5.773 A (magnitude) Answer (f)
3 3

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 4 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q2] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q.2, determine the RMS phase and line voltages and currents in the
resistors, the average power dissipated per phase and the total average power dissipated.
va (t ) = 167.9cos ( 62.8t )
(time-domain representation)
Ra = Rb = Rc = 30
[120 V, 207.8 V, 4 A, 4 A, 480 W, 1440 W]
iA

A iB
B
vb + Ra ira
ia + + irb vrb +
ib iN Rb vra
va
n N
vc iC Rc vrc
+ C +
ic
irc
Fig. Q.2. A simple 3-phase, 3- or 4-wire system. (Wye – Wye Circuit).

[Q2] Solution
The time-domain representation must be transformed into phasor-domain representation, where:
V 167.9V
Vrms = m = = 120V (rms value) Answer
2 2
The phasor-representation results:
VA = 1200V
VB = 120 − 120V (rms, phasor-representation)
VC = 120 − 240V
Initially, a graphical representation of the situation is presented:
IA

VAB IB
A + − B
+
+ + + I
+ I rb Vrb Ra ra
VA VB IN Rb − − Vra
N n −
VBC
VC Rc Vrc
+ −
IC +
ic
C I rc
It is a three-phase system, 120 V (line-to-neutral RMS voltage).
Start from the supplier and find the voltages.
The supply is a balanced three-phase system, star connected, where the voltages follows:
Vphase = Van = Vbn = Vcn = 120V (magnitude) Answer
Remember, there are a 120 degree in each phase when phasor representation is used.
The line voltages as calculated as:
VL = 3VP VL = VAC = VBC = VCA = 120 3 = 207.8460V
Vline = VL = 207.8460V  207.8V (magnitude) Answer
The resistor voltage is calculated as:
V V
VP = L Vra = Vrb = Vrc = L
3 3
Vr = Vra = Vrb = Vrc  207.8V (magnitude) Answer
Now, go back to the supplier finding the currents.
The resistor currents are calculated using Ohm’s law:
120V
I ra = I rb = I rc  = 4A (magnitude) Answer
30
In a star connection, line (IL) and phase (IP) current are the same as a consequence,
I A = I B = IC = 4 A (magnitude) Answer
Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 5 of 12
SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems
And the supply current also:
I As = I Bs = ICs = 8 A (magnitude) Answer
The power dissipated by each resistor (e.g. phase A, Pra) is calculated as:
Pra = Var  I ar Pra = (120V )  ( 4 A ) = 480W

Pra = Rar  ( I ar ) Pra = ( 4 A )  (30 ) = 480W

2 2

Pra =
(Var )2
Pra =
(120V )2
= 480W
Rra 30
Three different equations are using above to demonstrate the power dissipated by one resistor has the same
value. Remember, the power factor of a resistor is one.
Finally, the total three phase power (PT) is calculated:
PT = 3Pra = 3  480W PT = 1,440W Answer

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 6 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q3] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q3, determine the RMS phase and line voltages and currents in the
resistors, the average power dissipated per phase and the total average power dissipated.
va (t ) = 300 cos (188.5t )
(time domain representation)
Ra = Rb = Rc = 50
[212 V, 212 V, 4.2 A, 7.3 A, 900 W, 2700 W]
iA

ic vc iC irc vrc
A

+
+
C
ira
Rc irb
+ ia Rb +
va vra vrb
vb + i Ra +
b
iB
B
Fig. Q.3. A simple three-phase, 3-wire system. Delta – Delta Circuit.

[Q3] Solution
The domain representation must be transformed into phasor representation, where:
V 300V
Vrms = m = = 212.1320V  212V (rms value) Answer
2 2
The phasor representation results:
VA = 2120V
VB = 212 − 120V
VC = 212 − 240V
Initially, a graphical representation of the situation is presented:
IC
+
212 − 240V VCA Vrc I rc
A IA a
−
+
+

C c
Ic
+
Rc I rb
+ Ia Rb +
VAB Vra
212 − 120V 2120V Vrb
+ Ra +
Ib
IB I ra
−
B b
The three-phase system under consideration is balanced, as a consequence, only need to calculate one value for each
voltage and current and the RMS values in each phase will be the same. (remember there is three-phase symmetry
as a consequence, the values have the same value but a phase angle of 120 degree is needed for the phasor
representation).
The solution of this problem is very easy, it starts from the supplier side and find the voltages:
In delta connection supply, the voltages are:
VAB = VL = Vline = VP = 212 V (magnitude) Answer
In the delta connected resistors, the voltages are:
Vab = Vra = VP = VL = 212 V (magnitude) Answer
The resistor current (Ir) is calculated using the Ohms law:
202V
I r − I ra  = 4.24 A  4.2 A (magnitude) Answer
50
The line current (IL) are calculated as:
I
IP = L → IL = 3  IP I L = 3  ( 4.2 A ) = 6. A
3
I L = 7.3438  7.3 A (magnitude) Answer
The power dissipated by each resistor is calculated as:
Pra = Var  I ar Pra = ( 212V )  ( 4.2 A ) = 890.4  900W Answer
Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 7 of 12
SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems
Finally, the total three phase power (PT) is calculated:
PT = 3Pra = 3  900W PT = 2,700W Answer
[Q4] In a balanced star-star 3-phase system the RMS line voltage is 230 V. The average power dissipated per phase
is 5 kW. If the power factor is 0.7 and lagging, find the load impedance per phase.
[Z = (1.73 + j1.76)]

[Q4] Solution
The load is a 3-phase balanced star, where the magnitude of the rms voltage is 230 V:
VL = 230 (magnitude)
The average power dissipated per phase is:
Pphase = 5,000 Watt (per-phase)
as the power factor is known: cos = 0.7 (lagging), the reader must remember this angle represents the angle between
the voltage (VP) and current (IP).  = acos(0.7) = 45.5729.
The total complex power (S) per phase (Sphase) is defined as:

Pphase = S phase cos  → S phase =

Pphase
S phase =
(5,000W )
cos  0.7
S phase = 7142.857 VA (magnitude, per-phase)
The reactive power (Q) per phase (Qphase) is defined as:
Q phase = S phase sin  → Q phase = S phase sin 
Qphase = (7,142.8571VA ) sin ( 45.57299 ) Qphase = (7,142.8571VA ) sin ( 45.57299 )
Q phase = 5101.020 var (per-phase)
Finally, the apparent power (Sphase) is defined as a complex quantity:
Sphase VA  =Pphase W  + jQ phase  var 
Sphase VA  =5,000W + j5,101.020 var (per-phase, rectangular-form)
Sphase VA  = (7,142.85745.573 ) VA (per-phase, polar-form)
Now, it is well-known the apparent power (S) is related with the current and voltage:
Sphase =VPI*P
and relating that with the Ohm’s Law:
VP
VP =ZIP → IP =
Z
So,
V 
Sphase =VP I*P = VP  P 
*
Sphase =
(VP )2 → Z* =
(VP )2 → Z=
(VP )2
Z* ( Sphase )
*
 Z  Sphase

2
 230V 
 
Z=  3  Z=
(132.790V )2 Z= =
(132.790V )2
(5,000W + j5,101.020 var )* (5,000W − j5,101.020 var ) (7,142.857 − 45.573 ) VA
(132.790V )2  0 − −45.573
Z=
(7,142.857 ) VA
( ( ))
Z = ( 2.469 < 45.573 )  (per-phase, polar-form)
Z = (1.728 + j 1.763 )  (per-phase, rectangular-form) Answer

Q4_3phase.m

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 8 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q5] A balanced star-star 3-phase system has a load impedance of (14+j6) per phase and a line impedance of (3+j4)
per phase. If the voltage across the ‘a’-phase load impedance is (12030)V. Calculate each of the source phase
voltages, i.e. Van , Vbn and Vcn
[ Van = 155.437.3 V,Vbn = 155.4 − 82.7 V, Vcn = 155.4 − 202.7 V ]

[Q5] Solution
It is easy to recognise the three-phase connection of the Generator and the Load from the Figure Q5.
Zseries = ( 3 + j4 ) 

Zseries
c + - a A B
+ Zload
+ +
IA VAN = (12030 ) V
Vcn Van Zload = (14 + j6 ) 
n - N
Vbn Zload
Zseries
+
b B

Generator Load
Line
Figure Q5.
Both, the generator and the load are Y-connected. The series impedance Zseries = (3.00 + 4.00j) is used to connect each
phase between the Generator and the Load.
It is easy to construct a per-phase equivalent circuit.
The single equivalent model is created considering the closed loop between phase a and the neutral points (n-N). The
single-phase equivalent model is shown in Figure A.
Zseries = ( 3 + j4 ) 
a A
Ia
IA
+
+
+
Series +
VAN = (12030 ) V Zload = (14 + j6 ) 
Van − −
- -
n N

Generator Load

Figure A.

REMARK: Y-connected sources and loads always have line voltages greater than phase voltages, and line currents
equal to phase currents (IP = IL).
The voltage across the load can be calculated using Ohm’s Law:
V
Ia = AN =
(12030)V (phase a)
Zload (14 + j6 ) 
Ia = (7.878  6.801) A (rms, line-current, polar form)
Ia = (7.823 + 0.933j) A (rms, line-current, polar form)
Calculating the line current in phase "b" and "c". NOTE: The calculations of the currents on phase b and c are shown
below (for illustrative purposes):
The current on phase b (Ib) is calculated based on the line current on phase a (Iaa’) and three-phase symmetry:
Ib = I a  (1 − 120 ) = I a  (1 + 240 )
Ib = (7.878  -113.199 ) A (rms, line-current, polar form)
Ib = (-3.103 + 7.241j) A (rms, line-current, polar form)
I cc ' = I aa '  (1 + 120 ) = I aa '  (1 − 240 )

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 9 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

Ic = (7.878  126.801 ) A (rms, line-current, polar form)

Ic = (-4.719 + 6.308j) A (rms, line-current, polar form)
Now, using the single-phase equivalent model (see Figure A), Kirchhoff voltage law (KVL) is used to calculate the
current (IP = IL) in this circuit.
Van =Zseries Ia +Zload Ia where Zseries = (3+4j), and Zload = (14+6j)
ZEQ = Zseries + Zload
ZEQ = (3 + 4j) + (14 + 6j)
ZEQ = (17.000 + 10.000j) 
ZEQ = (19.723  30.466) 
The phase voltage at the load can be calculate using the Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL), using the single-phase
equivalent model as shown in Figure A.
The phase voltage (Van) is calculated using the Ohm’s laws across the terminals (an) of the load:
Van =Zseries Ia +Zload Ia Van = Z EQ I a I a
Van = (7.878  6.801) A  (17 + j10)
Van = (7.878  6.801) A  (19.723 30.466)
Van = (123.660 + 94.091j) V (line-to-neutral, rectangular form)
Van = (155.386  37.267 ) V (Line to Neutral, polar form) Answer
Calculating the line current in phase "b" and "c".
Van = 155.437.3 V,
Vbn = 155.4 − 82.7 V,
Vcn = 155.4 − 202.7 V
The line voltage or line-to-line voltage (VLL) across the terminals of the load (e.g. c’-a’):
VLL = 3V 30
VLL = 3 (155.386  37.267 ) 30 (Line to line, polar form)
VLL = (104.005 + 248.229j ) V (Line to line, rectangular form)
Q5_3phase.m

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 10 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q6] In question [Q6], find the complex power generated by the ‘a’-phase source and the complex power dissipated in
the load impedance connected to that source.
[ 1055 + j620.7 VA , 868.9 + j372.4 VA ]
[Q6] Solution
The complex power generated by the by the ‘a’-phase source is:
Sphase =VPI*P (complex power)
where VP = Van and IP = Ia (phasors, i.e. magnitude and angle)
Sphase = 1055.172 W + 620.690j var (rectangular form)
Sphase = (1224.191  30.466) VA (polar form)
Similarly, the complex power dissipated in the load impedance connected to that source
Sphase =VPI*P (complex power)
where VP = VAN and IP = IA (phasors, i.e. magnitude and angle
Sphase = (868.966 W + 372.414j var) (rectangular form)
Sphase = (945.406  23.199) VA (polar form)

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 11 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
Three-phase systems

[Q7] In the balanced 3-phase system of Fig. Q.7, determine the total apparent power, average power, reactive power
and power factor.
[11520 VA, 6912 W, 9216 VAR, 0.6*]
VP = 2400
+ A

VP = 240 − 120
+ B

VP = 240 − 240
+ C

9 9 9

12 12 12

Fig. Q.7.

*Note: From the given and calculated data it is not possible to state whether the power factor is lagging or leading.
However, when the load constituent elements are known, as in Fig. Q.7., it is possible to specify that the
power factor is lagging.
[Q7] Solution
The single equivalent model is created considering the closed loop between phase a and the neutral points (n-N). The
single-phase equivalent model is shown in Figure B.
A
IA
IA
+ +
+
+
Van = 2400 VAN Zload = ( 9 + 12 j ) 
− −
- -
N
Figure B
The line current (Ia) is calculated using Ohms law:
V
Ia = an =
( 2400)V (phase a)
Zload 9 + 12 j
Ia = (9.600 -12.800j) A (line current, rectangular form)
Ia = (16.000  -53.130) A (line current, polar form)
The complex power generated by the by the ‘a’-phase source is:
Sphase =VPI*P (complex power)
where VP = Van and IP = Ia (phasors, i.e. magnitude and angle)
Sphase = (2304.000 + 3072.000j) (rectangular form)
Sphase = (3840.000  53.130) VA (polar form)
Finally, the total 3-phase power (ST) is calculated as:
ST =3  Sphase (three-phase complex power)
ST = (6912.000 W + 9216.000j var) (rectangular form)
ST = (11344.876 < 23.199) VA (polar form)
Q7_3phase.m

Dr. F. Gonzalez-Longatt TUTORIAL 3-phase systems- Page 12 of 12

SOLUTIONv2.docx
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