Q1. What is a polyphase system? Explain 3 phase system.

Ans. A polyphase system consists of two, three or more equal (same magnitude) sinusoidal voltages
with fixed phase difference. In two phase system, the voltages differ by angle of 90 and in three phase
system the voltages differ by angle of 120.
In a symmetric three-phase power supply system, three conductors each carry an alternating
current of the same frequency and voltage amplitude relative to a common reference but with a phase
difference of 120. The common reference is usually connected to ground and often to a currentcarrying conductor called the neutral.
Due to the phase difference, the voltage on any conductor reaches its peak at one third of a cycle after
one of the other conductors and one third of a cycle before the remaining conductor.
Q2. How is 3 phase system generated? Prove that at any instant of time the resultant voltage is zero.
Ans. The three-phase generator, generates 3 sinusoidal waves. The generator consists of stator and
a rotor. The stator hold the three identical windings that are equally spaced around. The rotor is an
electromagnet that rotates inside the stator. As the rotor pass each winding its magnetic field
magnetic field induce a sinusoidal voltage of same frequency and r.m.s. value vp.
The three induced voltages that have a phase difference of 120. The voltage in coil A reaches
maximum first, followed by B and C. In this case, we say the
phase rotation is ABC. If we assume VA, VB and VC are induced
in the three windings then they are given by:
= 2 sin(t)
= 2 sin(t 120)
= 2 sin(t 240)

the wave form of voltages along with the phasor diagram could be depicted as:
(VP)
VA

VB

VC

At any instant of time

+ + = 2 (sin(t) + sin( 120) + ( 240))
+ + = 2 [sin(t) + sin(t) cos(120)
+ cos(t) sin(120) + sin(t) cos(240) + cos(t) sin(240)]
1
1
3
3
+ + = 2 [sin(t) sin(t)
cos(t) sin(t) +
cos(t)]
2
2
2
2
+ + = 0

Q3. Define line voltage, phase voltage. Derive the relation between both the voltages.
Ans. Three-phase sources have three terminals, called the line terminals, and they may or may not
have a fourth terminal, the neutral connection. The three voltages, existing between one line and the
neutral, are called phase voltages.
The line voltage appears between the lines connecting the generator to the load or the resultant
voltage of any 2 phases.

Below given figure is the phasor diagram of three phase circuit with depiction of line voltage and phase
voltages. It is to be noted that the phase voltage Vnb is the reverse of Vbn. Hence:
(Note: Often ean and Van are used, both are same and there is no difference between their relevance.)

0
Vectorially:

=
+

| | = 0 2 + 0 2 + 20 0 cos(60)
| | = 30

Q4. What are the advantages of three phase circuits?

Ans. The advantages are:

More efficient use of conductors: given the same peak voltage between conductors and same
current in each conductor, 3-phase delivers 3x the power with 1.5x the copper (3 wires instead
of 2). For given size and voltage 3 phase alternator or electrical machines occupy less space
and less cost compared to single phase machine having same rating.

In single phase system, the instantaneous power is function of time. Hence fluctuates with
respect to time. The fluctuating power will cause significant vibrations in the single-phase
machines.
Hence
performance
of
single
phase
machines
is
poor.
While instantaneous symmetrical three phase system is always constant.

Single phase system can be obtained from three phase supply system, vice-versa is not
possible.

For converting systems like rectifiers, the dc voltage waveform becomes smoother with the
increase in the number of phases of the system. Hence three phase system
is advantageous compared to single phase system.

3 phase motors will have uniform torque whereas single phase motors will have pulsating
torque.
Q4. A 415 V, 50 Hz, 3-phase supply is connected to a star-connected balanced load. Each phase of
the load consists of a resistance of 25 ohm and inductance 0.1 H, connected in series. Calculate (a)
phase voltage, (b) the line current drawn from the supply, and (c) the power dissipated.
Ans. Whenever a three-phase supply is specified, the voltage quoted is always the line voltage. Also,
since we are dealing with a balanced load, then it is necessary only to calculate values for one phase

of the load. The figures for the other two phases and lines will be identical to these. VL = 415 V; f = 50
Hz; Rph = 25 ohm ; Lph = 0.1 H