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THREE PHASE AC CIRCUITS


CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Necessity and advantages of three phase systems,


Generation of three phase power
Definition of phase sequence,
Balanced supply and balanced load
Relation ship between line and phase value of balanced star and delta connections
Power in balanced three phase circuits
Measurement of power by two wattmeter method
Determination of power factor using wattmeter readings
Example problems

Course outcomes: At the end of the module students will be able to:

State the advantages of three-phase system over single-phase system.


Explain the concept of three-phase voltages.
Explain the principle of generation of three-phase voltages.
Explain the concept of star and delta connections.
Derive the relations between phase voltage and line voltage in a balanced star- or deltaconnection.
Derive the relations between phase current and line current in a balanced star- or deltaconnection.
Derive an expression to calculate total active power in a 3-phase system for a balanced 3phase load (star or delta).
Compare the star-connected systems and delta-connected systems.
Explain two-wattmeter method of measuring power and power factor in a balanced threephase load.

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Introduction
The earliest application of ac current was for heating the filament of an electric lamp using the
single-phase ac supply. When ac motors were developed, it was found that single-phase ac
supply was not very satisfactory as the single-phase induction motor-the type most commonly
used was not self-starting unless it was fitted with an auxiliary winding. It was found that by
using two separate windings with currents differing in phase by 90 or three windings with
currents differing in phase by 120, the induction motor became self-starting, had better
efficiency and power factor.
The system utilizing two windings is referred to as a two-phase system and that utilizing three
windings is referred to as a three-phase system.
Almost all the electrical power used in the country is generated and distributed in the form of
three-phase ac supply. The single-phase ac supply used in homes, offices, factories, etc.,
originates as a part of 3-phase system.

Advantages of Three-Phase System


The advantages of using three phase systems over single phase systems are as follows:
1. Three phase transmission lines require much less conductor material. Since the phasor sum of
currents in all the phases is zero, there is substantial saving by eliminating the return conductor
or replacing it by a single neutral conductor of comparatively small size.
2. For a given frame size, a three-phase machine gives a higher output than a single-phase
machine.
3. The power in a single-phase system pulsates at twice the line frequency. However, the sum of
powers in the three phases in a three-phase system remains constant. Therefore, a three-phase
motor develops a uniform torque, whereas a single-phase motor develops pulsating torque.
4. Since the three-phase supply can generate a rotating field, the three-phase induction motors are
self starting.
5. The three-phase system can be used to supply domestic as well as industrial power.
6. The voltage regulation in three-phase system is better than that in single-phase supply.
Double-Subscript Notation for Voltages
It is convenient to describe three-phase voltages and currents using double-subscript notation.
With this notation, a voltage, such as Vab, has more meaning than if it were denoted simply as
Vx. The notation Vab represents the voltage of point a with respect to point b.
Double Subscript Notation for Currents
The double-subscript notation is also be applicable to currents. We define the current Iab as the
current flowing from a to b by the direct path. In every complete circuit we consider, there must
exist at least two possible paths between points a and b. We agree that we shall not use doublesubscript notation unless it is obvious that one path is much shorter, or much more direct.

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Concept of Three phase Voltages


A three-phase voltage system requires three single-phase e.m.fs having the same amplitude and
frequency but phase-displaced by 120. Figure 1 shows the three single-phase e.m.f sources, eR,
eY, and eB. The phasor relationship of these three e.m.fs is shown in phasor diagram of Fig. 2.
Length of each phasor represents maximum or peak value of each e.m.f. Since the three e.m.fs
have equal amplitudes, we can write ERR =EYY=EBB =Em
The phasors are assumed to be rotating in the
counterclockwise (positive) direction at an angular
frequency . The time diagram of Fig. 3 is generated
by projecting each of the three phasors of Fig. 2 onto
the vertical line, when the phasors revolve. Note that
the positive maximum value first occurs for phase R
and then in succession for phases Y and B. Thus, we
see that phase Y lags phase R by 120 (or one-third
of a cycle), and phase B lags phase Y by 120. For this
reason, the three-phase voltage system of Fig. 3 is
said to have the phase order or phase sequence RYB.
The phase order of a three-phase voltage system is
important in many applications. For example, in a
three-phase induction motor it is the phase order that
determines the direction of its rotation.
From the phasor diagram of Fig. 2 that the phasor sum
of the three e.m.fs, eR, eY, and eB is zero. That is, in
terms of the rms values, we have
ER+EY+EB = 0
Since, ER has been taken as the reference phasor,
the instantaneous values of the three e.m.fs are given as
eR =Emsin t
eY =Emsin(t-120 ) and
eB = Em sin (t - 240) = Em sin (t + 120)
Em
0.866Em

eR

eY

eR
R

eY
R

eB
B

Fig.1. Three single phase e.m.fs


E BB

120
120
E RR

120

eB
E YY

Fig.2. Phasor diagram

Fig.3. Time diagram of


three phase voltages

- 0.866Em
- Em

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Figure 4a illustrates the principle of generation of three-phase voltage system. The three coils
RR', YY', and BB' wound on a rotor have a space-displacement of 120 from one another.
The rotor is rotated counterclockwise in a uniform magnetic field with a uniform angular speed
.
Magnetic Field
R

120

S120

N
B

(a)
Fig.4. Generation of three phase emf

(b)

A sinusoidal e.m.f is generated in each coil. Because of the space-displacement of the coils, after
one-third cycle of rotation, coil YY' occupies the same position as the coil RR' did. Therefore
the e.m.f in coil YY' lags behind the emf in coil RR' by 120. Similarly the e.m.f in coil BB' lags
behind the e.m.f in coil YY' by 120. Thus, if the three coils are identical, we get three e.m.fs
having the same amplitude and frequency but time-displaced by 120, as shown in Fig. 3.
For generating an e.m.f in a coil what is needed is the relative motion between the coil and
magnetic field. Thus, instead of rotating the coils in a fixed magnetic field, we can do the reverse
and still get the same result. Figure 4(b) shows such an arrangement. Here, three coils RR', YY'
and BB' are wound on a stator space-displaced by 120. The magnetic field is provided by the
rotor. The rotor (and hence the magnetic field) is made to rotate clockwise at a uniform angular
speed . The effect would be the same as if the three coils were rotated counterclockwise at a
uniform angular speed in a stationary magnetic field.
In practice, the scheme of Fig. 4(b) is preferred over that of Fig. 4(a). It is much safer and easier
to make external connections to stationary coils rather than to rotating ones.
Note that each coil has two terminals-start and finish. The finish (or return) terminal of a coil is
diametrically opposite to its start. Thus, the terminals on the periphery (Fig. 4b) appear in the
order: R, B',Y, R', B, Y. We maintain same sequence of coil terminals in three-phase generators
and motors.
For convenience, the three phases of Fig. 4 can be represented as in Fig. 5. Here, the phases are
shown isolated from one another. We assume an e.m.f to be positive when acting from 'finish' to
'start' of the phase winding. Thus, the three e.m.fs can be represented by arrows eR, eY and eB in
Fig. 5. These three e.m.f are shown connected to three respective loads L1, L2 and L3. This
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arrangement necessitates the use of six line conductors. It is cumbersome and expensive. It may
be simplified. Depending on the interconnection of windings, there are two kinds of three-phase
systems: (i) Star or wye (Y) connection, and (ii) Delta (L\) or mesh connection.
1

Start
R

L1
R

Finish
Start

3
Y

L1
Y

Finish
Start

5
B
L1

Finish

Fig.5.Three windings connected to three loads using six conductors


Three Phase Loads
The three-phase voltage system can be used in the following manner at the consumer end:
(a) Three phases can be used independent of each other supplying power to different loads. Each
load gets power from a single phase. This system is adopted for domestic power supply.
(b) The loads are connected to form a three-phase system. The loads (i.e., impedances Z1, Z2 and
Z3) can then be either star-connected or delta-connected, as shown in Fig. 6. Such a load is called
a three phase load.

Z1

Z3

Z1

Z3

Z2

Z2

(a)
(b)
Fig.6. three phase loads (a) star connection (b) delta connection
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In a three-phase load, if all the three impedances are equal (both in resistive as well as in reactive
parts), the load is said to be a balanced load. An example of such a balanced three phase load is a
three-phase motor, which has three identical windings. To such a balanced load, if a balanced
three-phase supply is applied, the currents will also be balanced. Conversely, if it is carrying
balanced currents, the voltages across the circuit will also be balanced.
Star connected Three Phase System
In Fig. 5 join together the three 'finishes', R', Y' and B' at N, as shown in Fig. 7a.
This way, the three conductors 2, 4 and 6 of Fig. 5 are replaced by a single conductor NM of Fig.
7a.. Since the e.m.f has been assumed positive when acting from 'finish' to 'start', the current in
each phase must also be taken as positive flowing in that direction, as shown in Fig. 7a. Let iR,
iY and iB be the instantaneous values of the three phase currents. Then the current in the
common wire MN is ( iR + iY + iB) having positive direction from M to N. This arrangement is
referred to as a four-wire star-connected voltage system. It is more conveniently represented as
in Fig. 7b. In appearance, the three windings look like a star or 'Y'. Hence, it gets its name. The
junction N is referred to as the star or neutral point. Three-phase motors are connected to the line
conductors R, Y and B. However, simple phase gadgets such as lamps, heaters, microwave
ovens, etc. are connected between the line and neutral conductors, as indicated by L1, L2 and L3.
Start
R

L1
R
Finish
Start

Fig. 7(a) Three phase windings connected


in star

L2
Y
Finish

Start
B

L3
Finish

In such cases, the total load is distributed as equally as possible between the three lines. If the
three loads are exactly equal, the phase currents have the same peak value, Im, and differ in phase
by 120. Hence, if the instantaneous current in L1is represented by iR = Imsin t, The
instantaneous currents in L2 and L3, respectively, are iY = Im sin (t- 120) and

iB= Im sin (t- 240)

Hence, the instantaneous value of current in neutral conductor MN is iR+ iY + iB =

Im {sin t+ sin (t- 120) + sin (t- 240)} = Im x 0 = 0

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R

Line conductors

Thus, with a balanced load, the resultant


current in the neutral' conductor is zero
at every instant. Hence, this conductor
can be removed altogether from the
system, thereby giving us the three-wire
star-connected system as shown in
Fig. 7(c)

N
B

Fig. 7(b) Conventional representation


of star connected system.
L3

L2

L1

Neutral
conductor

R
R

Z
R

N
B

Z
B

Generator

Line
Conductors

Balanced Load

Fig. 7(c) Three wire star connected system with balanced load
Unbalanced Three-Phase System
We prefer using a three-phase system to supply power both to the domestic consumers as well as
to the industrial consumers, as shown in Fig.8. The industrial load (such as a 3 phase motor) may
be connected in star or in delta. It constitutes a balanced load.
In a residential colony, one set of houses, constituting load Ll is provided electric supply from
phase Rand common point (or local neutral point) M; the second set of houses, constituting load
L2, from phase Y and common point M; and the third set of houses, constituting load L3, from
phase B and common point M.
Although an effort is made to make this star-connected domestic load balanced, but practically it
may not be possible to do so all the time.

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If an unbalanced star-connected load is connected to a 3 phase, 3-wire system as shown in Fig. 8,


the currents in the three phases of the load would be different. However, as per KCL, the sum of
the three line currents must still be zero

Three phase
Voltage
System

L3

L2

Domestic Load
(Star Connected)

L1

Industrial Load
(Star or Delta Connected)

Fig. 8. Three phase system supplying unbalanced and balanced load


Three-Phase Four-Wire Voltage System is very flexible. It is widely used in distribution of
electric power to domestic, industrial and other consumers. The domestic and other single phase
loads are connected between a phase and neutral. Three-phase loads and other loads needing
higher voltages are connected between the lines. In such cases, the currents in the three lines may
not be equal; their phasor sum would return through the neutral conductor.
Delta connected Three Phase System
In Fig. 5, we join R' and Y thereby replacing conductors 2 and 3 by a single conductor.
Similarly, we join Y' and B together replacing conductors 4 and 5 by another single conductor.
The result is shown in Fig. 9a. Before we can proceed to join 'finish' B' to 'start' R, we have to
prove that the resultant e.m.f between these two points is zero at every instant. It will then be
ensured that no circulating current is set up when these two
conductors are connected, together. The instantaneous value of the total e.m.f from B' to R is

eR + eY + eB =Em[sint+ sin(t- 120) + sin(t- 240)]


=Em [sin t + {sint cos 120 - cost sin 120} + {sint cos 240 - cost sin
240}]
=Em[sin t- 0.5sint- 0.866cost- 0.5sint+ 0.866cost] = 0
Since this condition holds for every instant, we can join Rand B' together, as shown in Fig. 9b,
without creating any circulating current in the circuit. The three line conductors are joined to the
junctions thus formed.

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Start
R

R
B

Finish
Start

B
Y
Finish
Start

Finish

(a)

Y
Y

(c)

(b)

Fig.9. Connecting three phase windings to make delta connected three phase system
The circuit derived in Fig.9b is conventionally drawn as in Fig. 9c. In appearance, it looks like
Greek letter delta (). Hence, this connection is given this name. Note that in Fig. 9c, the 'finish'
of one phase is connected to the 'start' of another phase. This ensures that the arrows representing
the positive directions of the e.m.fs point in the same direction round the mesh formed by the
windings.
VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS RELATIONS IN 3 PHASE SYSTEMS

In a three-phase system, there are two sets of voltages: (i) line voltages, and (ii) phase voltages.
Similarly, there are two sets of currents: (i) line currents, and (ii) phase currents. We shall now
determine the relations between these two sets of voltage and two sets of currents in both the
star-connected system as well as delta connected system.
(1) Star Connected System
Assume the e.m.f in each phase to be positive when acting from the neutral point outwards,
as shown in Fig.10. The rms values of the e.m.fs generated in the three phases are ERN, EYN and
EBN. In practice, it is the voltage between two lines or between a line conductor and the neutral
point that is measured. Due to the impedance voltage-drop in the windings, this potential
difference (Pd) is different from the corresponding e.m.f generated in the winding, except when
the generator is on open circuit. Hence, in general it is preferable to work with the potential
difference, V, rather than the e.m.f, E.
In a three-phase system, there are two sets of voltages we are interested in. One is the set of
phase voltages, and the other is the set of line voltages. In Fig.10, VRN is the rms value of the
voltage drop from R to N. That is, this is the phase voltage of phase R. Thus, VRN, VYN and VBN
denote the set of three phase voltages. The term 'line voltage' is used to denote the voltage
between two lines. Thus, VRY represents line voltage between the lines R and Y. The other line
voltages are VYB and VBR.
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R
R

R
Y

N
B

Three Phase
Load

Line Conductors

Generator

Fig.10. A star connected generator supplying a three phase load


To determine the relation between phase voltages and line voltages, we analyze the phasor
diagram, shown in Fig. 11. Note that a phasor diagram by itself is meaningless. It is essential to
relate the quantities in the phasor diagram to a circuit diagram and to indicate the directions in
which the voltage and current is assumed to be positive. The phasor diagram of Fig. 11 is drawn
in terms of effective (or rms) values and it shows voltages (which can be measured). In Fig.11,
VRN represents rms value of the voltage of phase R line with respect to the neutral line N.
By applying Kirchhoff's voltage law,
we can get the magnitude and phase angle
of the line voltage VRY(which is the voltage
drop from R via N to Y, and can be
represented by an unambiguous symbol VRNY):
VRY = VRN+ VNY
This equation simply states that the voltage
drop existing from R to Y is equal to the voltage
drop from R toN plus the voltage drop from N to Y.
The above equation can be written as
VRY = VRN + VNY
= VRN VYN = VRN + (-VYN)
This shows that to determine VRY, first we reverse
the phasor VYN to get - VYN and then add the
phasors VRN and -VYN, as shown in Fig.11.

30
120
120

Fig.11. Phasor diagram


of star connected system

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Analytical Analysis: In a balanced system, each


phase voltage has the same magnitude. So, we can write |VRN|= |VYN|= |VBN|= Vph
The three phasors representing the set of phase voltages can be written as
VRN
; VYN
; VBN
;
We have
VRY = VRN - VYN =
= Vph Vph (cos 120- j sin 120)
= Vph - Vph (- 0.5 - j 0.866) = Vph(1.5 + j 0.866)
Thus, the magnitude of VRY is given as
VRY=Vph
=
Vph
And the phase angle of VRY with respect to the reference phasor VRN is given as
= 30
Hence the phasor VRY can be written as VRY =
Vph
Similarly VYB =
Vph
and VBR =
Vph
Thus, we can say that the magnitude of the line voltage VL for star connection is given as

Geometrical Analysis Because of the symmetry in Fig.11, it is evident that the line voltages
are equal and are spaced 120 apart. Further, since sides of all the parallelograms are of equal
length, the diagonals bisect one another at right angles. Also, they bisect the angle of their
respective parallelograms.
Since the angle between VRN and -VYN is 60, we have
VRY= 2(VRNCOS30) or VL =2 Vph(0.866) = 3Vph
In a star connection, any current that flows out of the line terminal R must be the same as that
which flows due to the phase source voltage appearing between terminals Rand N. Therefore, for
star-connection, we have IL = Iph
(2) Delta-Connected System
Let IR'R, IYY, IB'B, be the rms values of the phase currents in the three windings of the generator.
Their assumed positive directions are indicated by arrows in Fig. 12. Since the load is assumed
balanced, these currents are equal in magnitude and differ in phase by 120, as shown in the
phasor diagram of Fig. l2.b.
R
B

Three Phase
Balance
Load

Generator

Fig.12. A delta-connected generator supplying power to a 3 phase load


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We can write | IR'R | = | IY'Y | = | IB'B | = Iph


The three phasors representing the set of phase currents can be written as
IRR
; IYY
; IBB
;
From Fig. 12, it can be seen that the phase current IR'R flows towards the line conductor R,
whereas the phase current IB'B flows away from it. Applying KCL at the terminal R, we can write
IR = IR'R- IB'B
IR = IRR - IBB =
= Iph Iph (cos 120- j sin 120)
= Iph - Iph (- 0.5 + j 0.866) = Vph(1.5 - j 0.866)
Thus, the magnitude of IR is given as
IR = Iph
=
Iph
And the phase angle of VRY with respect to the reference phasor IRR is given as
= - 30
Hence the phasor IR can be written as IR =
Iph
Similarly IY =
Iph
and IB =
Iph
Thus, we can say that the magnitude of the line current IL for delta connection is given as
Above vector addition of IR'R and - IB'B is shown in the phasor diagram of Fig. l3. From the
symmetrical geometry of the diagram, it is evident that the line currents are equal in magnitude
and differ in phase by 120.
From Fig. 12. it is obvious that the line voltage VRY is same as the phase voltage VRR,. Hence,
for a delta-connected system, we have

Fig.13. Phasor diagram of


Delta connected system
120

30
120

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Important Points about Three-Phase Systems


Following important points should be noted while dealing with three-phase systems:
(i). For a three-phase system, unless otherwise mentioned, it is normal practice to specify the
values of the line voltages and line currents.
(ii). The current in any phase can be determined by dividing the phase voltage by its impedance.
(iii). The power factor of Z is the same as the cosine of the phase difference between phase
voltage Vph and phase current Iph.
POWER IN THREE-PHASE SYSTEM WITH A BALANCED LOAD
Consider one phase only. For this load, the voltage is Vph and the current is Iph. The average
active power consumed by this load is given by P1 = Vph x Iph x Cos
where is the phase angle of the load.
As the load is balanced, the power in other two phase circuits will also be the same. Hence, the
total power consumed is
P = 3P1 = 3Vph x Iph x Cos
Above expression for the total power is in terms of phase voltage and phase current. However, it
is a normal practice to mention line voltage and line current in a three-phase system. Hence, the
expression for the total power in terms of VL and IL:
For a star-connected system, we have VL = 3 Vph and IL = Iph Hence,
P = 3(VL/ 3) IL Cos = 3 VL IL Cos
For a delta-connected system, we have VL = Vph and IL =3 Iph Hence,
P = 3 VL ( IL / 3) Cos = 3 VL IL Cos
Thus, it follows that, for any balanced load (connected in either Y or A), the total power is given
as P = 3 VL IL Cos
MEASUREMENT OF POWER
The method of measurement of total power in three-phase depends upon the type of system and
that of the load. There exist the following methods:
(i) Three-Wattmeter Method: This is the simplest and straight forward method. One wattmeter
is inserted in each of the phases. The power consumed by the load is the algebraic sum of the
three wattmeter readings.
R
(ii) One-Wattmeter Method This can be used to
Determine the total power consumed by a
W
star connected balanced load, with neutral point
accessible. The current coil of the wattmeter is
L
connected in one line and the potential coil is
Y
L
connected between that line and the neutral point,
as shown in Fig. 14.
The reading of the wattmeter gives the power per
L
phase.
B
Therefore, Total power = 3x wattmeter reading
Fig.14. Star connected balanced load

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(iii) Two-Wattmeter Method This can be used for any balanced or unbalanced load, star or
delta connected. Details of this method are explained below.
iR
Power Measurement by Two-Wattmeter Method
R
Suppose that the three loads L1, L2 and L3
are connected in star, as shown in Fig. 15.
W1
L1
The current coils (CC) of the two wattmeters
W1 and W2 are connected in any two lines,
L2
say, the R and B lines. The potential coils (PC)
Y
N
of the wattmeters are connected between these
i
Y
lines and the third line. The sum of the wattmeter
readings gives the average value of the total power
W2
L3
absorbed by the three phases.
B

iB

Fig. 15. Star connected unbalanced load


Proof Let vRN, vYN and vBN be the instantaneous values of the voltages across the loads, with
the positive direction marked by arrows in the diagram. Let iR,iY and iB be the corresponding
instantaneous values of the line (and phase) currents.
Total instantaneous power = vRN iR + vYN iY + vBN iB
Since the current through the current coil of W1 is i iR ,and the potential across its potential coil
is vRN - vYN, we have
the instantaneous power measured by W1 = iR (vRN - vYN)
Similarly, the instantaneous power measured by W2 = iB(vBN - vYN)
Hence, the sum of the instantaneous powers of W1 and W2 is
P1 + P2 = iR (vRN - vYN) + iB(vBN - vYN) = iR vRN + iB vBN - vYN (iR + iB)
From KCL, the algebraic sum of the instantaneous currents at N is zero, i.e.,

iR + iY + iB = 0
iY = - (iR + iB )
P = iR vRN + iB vBN + vYN iY = total instantaneous power
The power measured by each wattmeter varies from instant to instant, but due to the inertia of the
moving system the pointer stays at the average value of the power.
Since the above proof does not assume a balanced load or a sinusoidal waveform, it follows that
the sum of the two wattmeter readings gives the total power under all conditions. The above
proof was derived for a star-connected load. One could derive the same conclusion for a deltaconnected load.
Power Factor Measurement by Two-Wattmeter Method
Consider a balanced three-phase inductive load at a power factor Cos (lagging), connected to a
3-wire, 3-phase system, as shown in Fig. 16. The phase sequence is R Y B. The current coils of
the two wattmeters W1 and W2 are connected in the line conductors Rand Y; respectively. Their
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potential coils are connected between the corresponding line conductor and the third line
conductor B.
R

R
W1

Three -Phase
Three wire
Power supply

IR
Y

Y
W2

IY

Three Phase
Balanced
Load
Star or Delta
Connected

B
IB

Fig.16. Connection of Two Wattmeters


Let IR, IY and IB be the three line currents, and VRN, VYN and VBN be the three phase-voltages.
Since the load is balanced, the three line currents and the three line voltages will have same
magnitude, i.e.,
IR = IY = IB = Iph and VRN = VYN = VBN = Vph
Each line current lags by angle its corresponding voltage as shown in the phasor diagram of
Fig. 17.
Since VRB = VRN - VBN, and VYB = VYN - VBN,
we can determine the line voltages VRB and VYB
by phasor method. It is seen from Fig. 17 that
the line voltage VRB lags the phase voltage VRN by
30 and VYB leads VYN by 30. Thus, the phase
angle between the line voltage VRB and the line
current IR is (30 - ).

Similarly, the phase angle between the line voltage


VYB and the line current IY is (30 + ).
Therefore, the readings of the two wattmeters are
P1 = VRB IR Cos(30 - ) = VL IL Cos(30 - )

and
30
P2 = VYB lY Cos(30 + ) = VL IL Cos(30 + )
Adding P1 and P2
30 -

60
P1 + P2 = VL IL Cos(30 - ) + VL IL Cos(30 + )
= VL IL {Cos(30 - ) + Cos(30 + )}
= VL IL 2Cos30 Cos
30 +
Subtracting P1 and P2
P1 - P2 = VL IL Cos(30 - ) - VL IL Cos(30 + )
= VL IL {Sin(30 - ) + Sin(30 + )}
= VL IL 2Sin30 Sin

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Dividing (P1 - P2) by (P1 + P2), we get

Simplifying,

and

We can calculate the phase angle from the above relation, and then determine the power factor
Cos .
We get the power factor

****

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PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION ON THREE PHASE CIRCUITS


1. A 3 phase 230 V supply is given to balanced load which is delta connected. Impedance in
each phase of the load is 8+j6,Determine the phase current and the total power consumed
Solution:
Phase voltage = 230 V
balanced delta connected load.
Impedance in each phase of the load = 8 + j6,
= 1036.86 ohm
phase current = phase voltage / impedance
= 230 / 1036.86 = 23- 36.86 Amp.
Total power consumed = 3 Vph Iph cos(Vph, Iph )
= 3 x 230 x 23 x cos(36,86) = 12696 w or 12.696kW
2. A balanced 3-phasestar connected load of 150kW takes a leading current of 100 A with a
line voltage of 1100 V, 50Hz. Find the circuit constants of the load per phase.
Solution:
Load power = 150kW, Line current = 100 A,
Line voltage = 1100 V, 50Hz.
Power = 3 VL ILcos
150 x 103 = 3 x 1100 x 100 cos;
cos = 0.7873; impedance angle, = - 38.06
Impedance = phase voltage / phase current = (1100/3)/100
= 635.08/100 = 6.35- 38.06 ohm = (5 j 3.914) ohm
Resistance, R = 5 ohm, capacitive reactance, XC = 3.914 ohm
Capacitance C = 1/( Xc) = 813.67 F.
3. Three identical coils each having a resistance of 10 and a reactance of 10 are connected
in delta, across 400 V, 3-phase supply. Find the line current and the reading on the two
Wattmeters connected to measure the power.
Solution:
Coil resistance = 10 ohm
coil reactance = 10 ohm. Delta connection.
Supply voltage = 400 V.
Impedance = 10 +j 10 = 14.14 45 ohm.
Phase current = phase voltage / impedance
= 400 / 14,14 45 = 28.28 - 45 Amp.
Line current = 3 x phase current = 48.98 A
Wattmeter reading W1 = VLILcos(30 - (Vph, Iph) )
= 400 x 28.28 x cos(30 - 45) = 10926.55 watt. = 10.926kW
Wattmeter reading W2 = VLILcos(30 + (Vph, Iph) )
= 400 x 28.28 x cos(30 + 45) = 2927.76 w = 2.927kW.

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4. Three similar choking coils each having resistance 10 and reactance 10 are
connected in star across a 440 V, 3 phase supply. Find the line current and reading of each
of two wattmeters connected to measure Power.
Solution:
Coil resistance = 10 ohm
coil reactance = 10 ohm. Star connection.
Supply voltage = 440 V.
Impedance = 10 +j 10 = 14.14 45 ohm.
Phase current = phase voltage / impedance
= (440/3) / 14,14 45 = 8.983 - 45 Amp.
Line current = phase current = 8.983 A
Wattmeter reading W1 = VLILcos(30 - (Vph, Iph) )
= 440 x 8.983 x cos(30 - 45) = 3817.84 watt. = 3.82kW
Wattmeter reading W2 = VLILcos(30 + (Vph, Iph) )
= 440 x 8.983 x cos(30 + 45) = 1022.65 W = 1.02265 kW
5. Three similar impedances are connected in delta across a 3 phase supply. The two
wattmeters connected to measure the input power indicate 12 KW. Calculate Power input
and Power factor of the load.
Solution:
Delta connection.
The two wattmeters connected to measure the input power indicating 12 KW. (both are
reading equal)
Wattmeter reading W1 = VLILcos(30 - ) = 12kW
Wattmeter reading W2 = VLILcos(30 + ) = 12kW
Power input = 12 + 12 = 24kW.
We have W1 = W2
VLILcos(30 - ) = VLILcos(30 + ) ; = 0
Power factor of the load = cos(0) = 1, unity power factor.
OR
Wattmeter reading W1 = VLILcos(30 - ) = 12kW
Wattmeter reading W2 = VLILcos(30 + ) = 12kW
power factor angle = tan -1{3 (WA WB)/(WA + WB)}
with WA = WB = 12kW, = 0
Therefore the power factor Cos = 1

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6. The power flowing in a 3 Phase,3 Wire balanced load system is measured by two
wattmeter method. The reading in Wattmeter A is 750 Watts and Wattmeter B is 1500
Watts. What is the power factor of the system?
Solution:
Wattmeter A = 750 Watts
Wattmeter B = 1500 Watts.
power factor angle
= tan -1{3 (WA WB)/(WA + WB)}
= tan 1{3(750 1500)/(750+1500)} = -30
power factor of the system = cos(- 30 )
= 0.866 lagging.
7. Three similar coils each having resistance of 10 Ohm and reactance of 8 Ohm are
connected in star across a 400 V, 3 Phase supply, Determine the i)Line current ii)Total
Power and iii)Reading of each of two wattmeters connected to measure the power.
Solution:
Coil impedance = 10 + j 8 Ohm
Star connected.
Supply : 400 V, 3 Phase supply,
i) Line current = phase voltage / impedance
= (400/3)/(10 + j 8) = 230.94 /12.8 38.66
= 18.042 - 38.66 Amp
Ii) Total Power = 3 x 400 x 18.042 x cos(38,66) = 10 kW
iii) Reading of each of two wattmeters:
W1 = VLILcos(30 ) = 400 x 18.042 x cos(68.66) = 2.626kW
8. Three similar impedances are connected in delta across a 3 Phase supply. The two
Wattmeters connected to measure the input power indicate 12 KW and 7KW calculate:
Power input and Power factor of the load.
Solution:
Wattmeter A = 12kW = 12000 Watts
Wattmeter B = 7kW = 7000 Watts.
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power factor angle


= tan -1{3(WA WB)/(WA + WB)}
= tan 1{3(12 7)/(12 + 7)} = 24.5
power factor of the system = cos 24.5
= 0.9099 lagging.
9. The input power to a three phase motor was measured by two wattmeter method. The
readings were 5kW and 1.7kW, and the line voltage was 400 V. Calculate: (a) the total
power; (b) the power factor; and (iii) the line current.
Solution:
Wattmeter A = 5 kW = 5000 Watts
Wattmeter B = - 1.7 kW = 1700 Watts.
Total Power = WA + WB = 5 1.7 = 3.3 kW = 3300 W
power factor angle
= tan -1{3(WA WB)/(WA + WB)}
= tan 1{3(5 (- 1.7))/(5 + (- 1.7))} = 74.12
power factor of the system = cos 74.12 = 0.2735 lagging
Line current = Total power /{3 x VL x cos } = 3300 / {3 x 400 x 0.2735} = 17.415 A
10. Three similar coils, connected in star, takes a total power of 1.5kW, at a power factor of
0.2, from a three phase, 400V, 50Hz supply. Calculate: (a) the resistance and inductance of
each coil, and (b) the line currents.
Solution:
Input = 1.5 kW = 1500 W
= 3 x line voltage x line current x power factor.
Line current = 1500 / [ 3 x 400 x 0.2] = 10.8253 A
Power factor angle = cos 1 (0.2) = 78.46
Impedance per phase = Phase voltage / phase current = (400/3)/(10.8253-78.46)
= 21.3378.46 Ohm
= 4.267 + j 20.898
Resistance of the coil = 4.267 Ohms
Inductive reactance = 20.898 = L = 2 f L, where L is the inductance of the coil.
Inductance L = 20.898 / 314 = 0.0665 Henry.
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Questions on Three phase AC circuits:


1.

With the help of connection diagram and phasor diagram show two Wattmeters are sufficient to
measure the active power in a three phase wire system with balanced star connected load.

2.

With the aid of a phasor diagram obtail the relationship between the line and phase values of
voltages in a three phase star connected system.

3.

State advantages of three-phase system over a single-phase system.

4.

What is the neccessity and advantages of three phase systems?

5.

Show that two wattmeters are sufficient to measure power in 3-phase balanced connected circuit
with the aid of neat circuit diagram and phasor diagrams

6.

Define balanced load and phase sequence

7.

With relevant vector diagram, show that two wattmeters are sufficient to measure three phase
power.

8.

Discuss the effect of the variation of power factor on Wattmeter readings

9.

Obtain the relationship between line voltages and phase voltages in balanced 3-phase supply
system

10. Discuss the effect of variation of power factor on wattmeter readings


11. Obtain the relationship between the phase and line values of voltaged and currents in balanced delta
connected system
12. With relevant vector diagram, show that two wattmeters are sufficient to measure three phase
power
13. Obtain the relationship between line currents and phase currents in a balance 3 Phase delta
connected system

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