3 Phase Power Calculation

There are several mathematical 3 phase power calculations that you can use to calculate
your 3 phase power distribution to make sure that your wiring distributes your load evenly
maintaining a balanced system. These calculations are useful for many purposes including
when you have single phase equipment and 3 phase equipment running on the same power
lines. Read more about 3 phase power calculation here.

This article deals with the basic mathematics and principles of three-phase electricity. For
information on where, how and why three-phase is used, see three-phase electric power.
For information on testing three-phase kit, see three-phase testing

In electrical engineering, three-phase electric power systems have at least three conductors
carrying voltage waveforms that are 2π/3 radians (120°,1/3 of a cycle) offset in time. In
this article angles will be measured in radians except where otherwise stated.

Variable 3 Phase Mathematics Setup and Basic Definitions

Let

where t is time and f is frequency.

Using x = ft the waveforms for the three phases are

where A is the peak voltage and the voltages on L1, L2 and L3 are measured relative to the
neutral.

Balanced 3 Phase Power Loads

Generally, in electric power systems the load is distributed as evenly as practical between
the phases. It is usual practice to discuss a balanced system first and then describe the
effects of unbalanced systems as deviations from the elementary case.

To keep the calculations simple we shall normalize A and R to 1 for the remainder of these
calculations
Star Connected Systems With Neutral

Constant Power Transfer

An important property of three-phase power is that the power available to a resistive load,

, is constant at all times.

Using R=1

Using angle subtraction formulae

Using the Pythagorean trigonometric identity

since we have eliminated x we can see that the total power does not vary with time. This is
essential for keeping large generators and motors running smoothly.

No Neutral Current

The neutral current is the sum of the phase currents.

Since R=1

Using angle subtraction formulae

Star Connected Systems Without Neutral

Since we have shown that the neutral current is zero we can see that removing the neutral
core will have no effect on the circuit, provided the system is balanced. In reality such
connections are generally used only when the load on the three phases is part of the same
piece of equipment (for example a three-phase motor), as otherwise switching loads and
slight imbalances would cause large voltage fluctuations.

Unbalanced 3 Phase Power Systems

Practical systems rarely have perfectly balanced loads, currents, voltages or impedances in
all three phases. The analysis of unbalanced cases is greatly simplified by the use of the
techniques of symmetrical components. An unbalanced system is analyzed as the
superposition of three balanced systems, each with the positive, negative or zero sequence
of balanced voltages.

Revolving Magnetic Field

Any polyphase system, by virtue of the time displacement of the currents in the phases,
makes it possible to generate easily a magnetic field that revolves at the line frequency.
Such a revolving magnetic field makes polyphase induction motors possible. Indeed, where
induction motors must run on single-phase power (such as is usually distributed in homes),
the motor must contain some measure to produce a revolving field, otherwise the motor
cannot generate any stand-still torque and will not start. The field produced by a single-
phase winding can provide energy to a motor already rotating, but without auxiliary
functions the motor will not accelerate from a stop when energized.

Conversion To Other Phase Systems

Provided two voltage waveforms have at least some relative displacement on the time axis,
other than a multiple of a half-cycle, any other polyphase set of voltages can be obtained by
an array of passive transformers. Such arrays will evenly balance the polyphase load
between the phases of the source system. For example, balanced two-phase power can be
obtained from a three-phase network by using two specially constructed transformers, with
taps at 50% and 86.6% of the primary voltage. This Scott T connection produces a true
two-phase system with 90° time difference between the phases. Another example is the
generation of higher-phase-order systems for large rectifier systems, to produce a smoother
DC output and to reduce the harmonic currents in the supply.

References:William D. Stevenson Jr., "Elements of Power Systems Analysis", 3rd ed. 1975,
McGraw Hill, New York USA ISBN 0070612854

3 Phase Power Generators

There are many options for 3 phase power generators. These range from small portable 3
phase generators to large industrial diesel generators. There are many different fuel
options to choose from and your application will help determine what is best for your
companies need. Propane generators and diesel generators are the most popular because
of the availability of these common fuels.

3 Phase Loads
The most common class of 3 phase load is the 3 phase electric motor. A common 3 phase
induction motor has a simple design, inherently high starting torque, and high efficiency.
Such 3 phase motors are applied in industry for 3 phase pumps, fans, blowers,
compressors, conveyor drives, and many other types of motor-driven equipment. A 3 phase
motor is more compact and less costly than a 1-phase motor of the same voltage class and
rating; also 1-phase AC motors above 10 HP (7.5 kW) are not as efficient and thus not
usually manufactured. Large air conditioning equipment (for example, most York air
conditioning units above 2.5 tons (8.8 kW) cooling capacity) use 3 phase motors for reasons
of economy and efficiency. Read more about 3 phase power loads here.

3 Phase Loads Run on 3 Phase Power Generated on 1 Phase Power

There are many places and instances where 1 phase power is the only type of power that is
available, or where the power company wants to charge tens, or even hundreds of
thousands of dollars to install and supply 3 phase power. In this situation a quality 3 phase
generating phase converter is the easy choice to be run on 1 phase to power 3 phase
equipment of any type. Quality 3 phase converters are super efficient and a a good choice
for this use. Click here to read more about powering 3 phase loads with 3 phase power
generated from 1 phase power.

3 Phase Converters
Often the advantages of 3 phase motors, and other 3 phase equipment, make it smart and
easily worthwhile to convert single-phase power to generate 3 phase. Small and large
customers, such as residential, rural businesses, or farm properties may not have access to
a 3 phase supply, or may not want to pay for the extra cost of a 3 phase service, but may
still wish to use 3 phase equipment. Such 3 phase converters may also allow the frequency
(see also frequency converters) to be varied allowing for different equipment frequency
requirements (50Hz, 60Hz, 400Hz, etc.) and also for motor speed control (VFDs). Some
locomotives are driven by 3-phase motors with 3 phase converters converted from the
incoming supply of either DC or 1 phase AC. The two main types of 1 phase to 3 phase
converters are Rotary Phase Converters and Static Phase Converters. Click here to read
more about 3 phase converters.