POLYPHASE SYSTEMS

GENERATION OF 3-PHASE VOLTAGES

Eaa’ Ebb’ Ecc’

a
Em
c'
b'

I b
c

a'

-Em

Eaa’ = Em sin t
Ebb’ = Em sin (t –120o)
Ecc’ = Em sin (t +120o)

A BASIC THREE PHASE CIRCUIT

A three phase circuit generates, distributes and uses energy in the form of three
voltages, equal in magnitude and symmetric in phase.

3-Phase line

Three –
Three –
Phase
Phase
Voltage Load
Source

Y------------------------------------------------Y
Y------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------Y
------------------------------------------------

When analyzing balanced three phase circuits, the first step is to transform any 
connections into Y connections, so that the over all circuit is of the Y-Y configuration.

1
 a a
Vab
a b
b
Za Zb

n Vca

Vbc

Zc

c c

One line Diagram of an Unloaded 3-Phase Generator

PHASE SEQUENCE
- refers to the relationship between the rotation of the rotor and the
arrangement of the coils.
- With positive (abc) sequence, Van leads Vbn leads Vcn by 120o.
- With negative (acb) sequence, Van lags Vbn lags Vcn by 120o.

With the positive (abc) seqyuence:

Line to Neutral Voltages:

Van = Vp 0o V Vca Vcn Vab

Vbn = Vp -120o V 30o

Vcn = Vp 120o V Van

Line to Line Voltages: Vbn

Vab = Van – Vbn = VL 30o V
Vbc = Vbn – Vcn = VL -90o V
Vca = Vcn – Van = VL 150o V Vbc

Note:
Line voltage leads phase voltage by 30o, and VL = 3 Vp.

2
With the negative (acb) seqyuence: Vbc
Line to Neutral Voltages:
Van = Vp 0o V
Vbn = Vp 120o V Vbn

Vcn = Vp -120o V Van

Line to Line Voltages:

Vab = Van – Vbn = VL -30o V Vca Vcn Vab

Vbc = Vbn – Vcn = VL 90o V

Vca = Vcn – Van = VL -150o V
Note:
Line voltage lags phase voltage by 30o, and VL = 3 Vp.

BALANCED THREE PHASE LOAD

- DELTA CONNECTION
A

Ia A

IAB ICA
Z

Ib
B
B C
Ic IBC
C

IAB = Ip 0O A (from VAB / ZAB)

IBC = Ip -120O A
ICA = Ip 120O A

Ia = IAB - ICA = IL -30o A

Ib = IBC – IAB = IL -150o A

Ic = ICA – IBC = IL 90o A

Where
IL = 3 Ip

3
 Ic IBC Ia
Ib
ICA 30o
30o IAB
30 o

IAB
30
o
30o
30 o

ICA
Ib IBC Ia Ic

ABC Sequence ACB Sequence

IL lags IP by 30o IL leads IP by 30o

- WYE CONNECTION

Ia
B A
B
Ib
ZB ZA

ZC
Ic
C C

With the positive (abc) seqyuence:

Line to Neutral Voltages:

VAN = V 0o V VCA VCN VAB

VBN = V -120o V 30o

VCN = V 120o V VAN

Line to Line Voltages: VBN

VAB = VAN – VBN = VL 30o V
VBC = VBN – VCN = VL -90o V
VCA = VCN – VAN = VL 150o V VBC

Note:
Line voltage leads phase voltage by 30o, and VL = 3 Vp.

4
With the negative (acb) seqyuence: VBC
Line to Neutral Voltages:
VAN = V 0o V
VBN = V 120o V VBN

VCN = V -120o V VAN

Line to Line Voltages: 30O

VAB = VAN – VBN = VL -30o V VCA VCN VAB

VBC = VBN – VCN = VL 90o V

VCA = VCN – VAN = VL -150o V
Note:
Line voltage lags phase voltage by 30o, and VL = 3 Vp.

Points to Remember
 A single phase equivalent circuit is used to calculate the line current and
the phase voltage in one phase of the Y-Y structure. The a-phase is
normally chosen for this purpose.
ZLA
a A
Ia
ZSA
ZA

n N

 Once we know the line current and line voltage in the a-phase equivalent
circuit, we can analytical shortcuts to find any current or voltage in a
balanced three-phase circuit based on the following facts:
o The b-phase and the c-phase currents and voltages are identical to
the a-phase current and voltage except for a 120o shift in phase. In
a positive sequence circuit, the b-phase lags the a-phase quantity
by 120o, and the c-phase leads the a-phase quantity by 120o. For a
negative sequence circuit, phases b and c are interchanged with
respect to phase a.

5
 o The set of line voltages is out of phase with the set of phase
voltages by  30o. The plus or minus corresponds to positive and
negative sequence, respectively.
o In a Y-Y circuit, the magnitude of a line voltage is 3 times the
magnitude of a phase voltage.
o The set of line currents is out of phase with the set of phase
currents in  connected sources and loads by  30o. The plus or
minus sign corresponds to negative and positive sequence
respectively.
o The magnitude of a line current is 3 times the magnitude of a
phase current in a  connected source or load.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. What is the phase sequence of each of the following sets of the voltages?
a. Va = 208 cos (wt + 76o)
Vb = 208 cos (wt + 316o) Vb
Vc = 208 cos (wt – 164o)
Sol`n. 760

Since Va leads Vb by 1200 and leads

Vc by 2400, the phase sequence is Vc
positive or abc.
Vb

b. Ia = 2.5 cos (wt – 49o)

Ib = 2.5 cos (wt - 289o) Ib
Ic = 2.5 cos (wt + 191o)

Since Ia lags Ib by 1200 and lags Ic

by 2400, the phase sequence is
negative or acb. Ic 490
Ia

2. The voltage from B to N in a balanced three phase circuit is 120600 V. If

the phase sequence is positive, what is the value of VBC?

6
 VBC
VBN
Sol`n.

If phase sequence is positive, line 600

voltage (VBC) leads phase voltage
(VBN) by 300.

VBC  3 VBN   300  207.85900

3. The c - phase voltage of a balanced three phase Y connected system is

660160o V. If the phase sequence is negative, what is the value of VAB?

VCA
Sol`n.
VBC
VCN  6601600 VCN

VCA  3 VCN   300  1143.15130 V

0

VAB  1143.151300  1200  1143.152500 V

 1143.15  1100 V

VAB

4. A balanced Y connected generator with positive sequence has an

impedance of 0.2 + j0.5 / and an internal voltage of 120 V/. The
generator feeds a balanced three phase Y connected load having 39 + j28
/. The impedance of the line connecting the generator to the load is
0.8 + j1.5 /. (a) Construct the a-phase equivalent circuit of the system.
(b) Calculate the three line currents; (c) Calculate the three phase
voltages at the load; (d) Calculate the line voltages at the terminals of the
load; (e) Calculate the phase voltages at the terminals of the generator;
(f) Calculate the line voltages at the terminals of the generator; (g)
Repeat (a) – (f) for a negative phase sequence.

a Z1 A
Sol`n.
Za Ia
V
Ia   2.4  36.87 0 A ZA
Z a  Zb  Zc

I b  2.4  156.87 0 A ABC SEQ.

I c  2.483.130 A n N

VAN  I a Z A  115.22  1.190 V VCN  115.22118.810 V

VBN  115.22  121.190 V

7
VAB  3 VAN   300 V  199.5728.810 V By KVL,
VBC  199.57  91.190V Van  120  I a Z a  118.89  0.320V

VCA  199.57148.810V Vbn  118.89  120.320V

Vcn  118.89119.680V

Vab  3 Van   300V  205.9229.680V

Vbc  205.92  90.320V

Vbc  205.92149.680V

5. The phase voltage at the terminals of a balanced three phase Y connected

load is 2400V. The load has an impedance of 16 + j12 / and is fed
from a line having an impedance of 0.10 + 0.80 /. The Y connected
source at the sending end of the line has a phase sequence of acb and an
internal impedance of 0.02 + j0.16 /. Calculate (a) the line currents;
(b) the line voltages at the source; (c) the internal phase to neutral
voltages.
Sol`n. a Z1 A
VAN
Ia   120  36.87 0 A Za Ia
ZA
a’ ZA
I b  12083.13 A0
ACB SEQ.
I C  120  156.87 0 A

By KVL n N
Van  2400  I a Z1  2468.181.620V By KVL
Vab  3 Van   300V  4275.02  28.380V Va ' n  Van  I a Z a  2482.051.930V

Vbc  4275.0291.620V Vb ' n  2482.05121.930V

Vca  4275.02  148.380V Vc ' n  2482.05  118.07 0V

6. The currents ICA in a balanced three phase  connected load is 1538o A.

If the phase sequence is positive, what is the value of Ic?
Sol`n.
ICA
If phase sequence is positive, line
current (IC) lags phase current (ICA)
by 300. IC
80
I C  3 VCA  300V  25.9880V

8
 7. A balanced three phase  connected load is fed from a balanced three
phase circuit. The reference for the b-phase line current is toward the
load. The value of the current in the b-phase is 26-50o A. If the phase
sequence is negative, what is the value of IAB?

Sol`n. ICA
IAB
I b  26  500 A

I BC  3 I b   300  15.01  80 A
0
500

I AB  15.01  800  1200  15.01  2000V

Ib
 15.01160 V 0

8. The line voltage VAB at the terminals of a balanced three phase 

connected load is 41600o V. The line current Ia is 69.28-10o A. (a)
Calculate the per phase impedance of the load if the phase sequence is
positive; (b) Repeat (a) for a negative phase sequence.
Sol`n.
A
VAB  416000V
Ia
I a  69.28  10 A 0
ZA ZC
IAB
I AB  3 I a   300  40200 A
B ZB
I BC  40  1000 A

I CA  401400 A C
VAB
Z AB   104  20 
I AB

VBC VCA
Z BC   104  20  Z CA   104  20 
To check, I BC & I CA

(for positive sequence)

9. The line voltage at the terminals of a balanced three phase  connected

load is 208 V. Each phase of the load consists of a 5.2 resistor in parallel
with a 6.933 inductor. What is the magnitude of the current in the line
feeding the load? A
IL
Sol`n. 20 ZA ZC
IP
r = 5.2 Ω ZAB = ZBC = ZCA = r // XL
XL=6.933 Ω B ZB

C
9
 V 208
I    50 A
r // X L 5.2 // 6.933

I L  3 I  86.6 A

10. A balanced  connected load has an impedance of 864 – j252 /. The
phase voltage at the terminals of the load is 69 kV. The phase sequence is
positive. Use VAB as the reference. Calculate (a) the three phase currents
of the load; (b) the three line currents; (c)the three line voltages at the
sending end of the line.
A
Sol`n.
Ia ICA
V
I AB  AB  76.6716.260 A 69 ZA ZC
Z AB
IAB
I BC  76.67  103.740 A
B ZB
I CA  76.67136.26 A 0
Ib IBC
C
Ic
I a  3 I AB   30  132.80  13.74 A
0 0
VAB  690 KV0

I b  132.80  133.740 A VBC  69  1200 KV

I c  132.80106.260 A VCA  691200 KV

10
 EXERCISE A
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A balanced  load is connected by three wires, with 4 resistance each,

to a Y source with a line voltage of 480 V. Find the line current Ia when Z
= 39-40 .
Solution:

2. The magnitude of the line voltage at the terminals of a balanced Y

connected load is 6600 V. The load impedance is 240 – j70 /. The load
is fed from a line that has an impedance of 0.5 + j4 /. (a) What is the
magnitude of the line current? (b) What is the magnitude of the line
voltage at the source?
Solution:

3. A balanced Y connected generator with positive sequence has an

impedance of 0.2 + j0.5 / and an internal voltage of 120 V/. The
generator feeds a balanced three phase  connected load having an
impedance 118.5 + j85.8 /. Line impedance is 0.3 + j0.9 /.(a)
Construct the a-phase equivalent circuit of the system. (b) Calculate the
three line currents; (c) Calculate the three phase voltages at the load; (d)
Calculate the phase currents at the terminals of the load; (e) Calculate the
phase voltages at the terminals of the generator; (f) Calculate the line
voltages at the terminals of the generator.
Solution:

11
 4. The magnitude of the phase voltage of an ideal balanced three phase Y-
connected source is 4000 V. The source is connected to a balanced Y-
connected load by a distribution line that has an impedance of 1 + j8 /.
The load impedance is 119 + j27 /. Phase sequence is abc. Specify the
magnitude and phase angle of the following quantities: (a) the line
currents, (b) the line voltages at the source, (c)the phase voltages at the
load, (d) the line voltages at the load.
Solution:

12
 EXERCISE B
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A balanced  connected load with impedances of 15 – 9  is connected to

a three phase source by three wires, each of which has 2 +j5  of
impedance. The rms load phase voltage is 120 V. Find the rms line
voltage at the source.
Solution:

2. A balanced Y-connected load having an impedance of 72 + j21/ is

connected in parallel with a balanced  - connected load having an
impedance of 1500o /. The paralleled loads are fed from a line having
an impedance of j1/. The magnitude of the line to neutral voltage of
the Y-load is 7650 V. If phase sequence is abc, find: (a) line currents; (b)
phase currents in the  - connected load; (c) phase currents in the Y –
connected load; (d) line voltages at the sending end of the line.
Solution:

3. For the circuit shown, find: (a) phase currents at the load; (b) phase
currents at the source; (c) line currents, when Vab = 6000 V, Vbc =
600-120 V, Vca = 600120 V, Z1 = 3.6 + j1.05, Z2 = 12 + j9, Z3 =
30 + j0.
Solution:
a A

- +
Z1 Z3

+ -

Z2
c - + b B C

13
 4. The impedance Z in the balanced three phase circuit below is 100 – j75.
Find (a) the line currents; (b) phase currents at the load; (c) phase
currents at the source, when Vab = 132000 V, Vbc = 13200120 V, Vca
= 13200-120 V

a A

- +
Z Z

+ -

Z
c - + b B C

Solution:

5. A three phase  connected generator has an internal impedance of 0.9 +

j9/. When the load is removed from the generator, the magnitude of
the terminal voltage is 13,200V. The generator feeds a  connected load
through a line with impedance 0.7 + j3/. The per phase impedance of
the load is 645 + j171. If sequence is abc, find : (a) line currents; (b)
line voltages at the terminals of the load; (c) line voltages at the terminals
of the source; (c) phase currents in the load; (c) phase currents in the
source.
Solution:

14
POWERS IN BALANCED THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS

- WYE CONNECTION

Ia
B+ + A
B VBN VAN
Ib
ZB ZA
-
N

ZC VCN
Ic
C +C

PA  V AN I a cos vA   iA  V  V AN  VBN  VCN

PB  V BN I b cos vB   iB  I  I a  I b  I c

PC  V AN I c cos vC   iC     vA   iA   vB   iB   vC   iC

PA  PB  PC  P  V I  cos  

PT  3P  3V I cos

V 
PT  3 L  I L cos
 3

PT  3 V L I L cos  

COMPLEX POWER

Q  V I sin  S  V AN I a*  VBN I b*  VCN I c*  V I *

QT  3Q  3 VL I L sin  S  P  jQ  V I *

ST  3S  3 VL I L 

- DELTA CONNECTION

15
 A

Ia A
+

VAB IAB ICA

Z
-
Ib
B
+ B C
VBC Ic IBC
-

PA  V AB I AB cos vAB   iAB  V  V AB  V BC  VCA

PB  V BC I BC cos vBC   iBC  I   I AB  I BC  I CA

PC  VCA I CA cos vCA   iCA      vAB   iAB   vBC   iBC   vCA   iCA

PA  PB  PC  P  V I  cos  

PT  3P  3V I cos

I 
PT  3 V L  L  cos  
 3

PT  3 V L I L cos  

COMPLEX POWER

Q  V I sin  S  V AB I AB*  VBC I BC *  VCA I CA*  V I *

QT  3Q  3 VL I L sin  S  P  jQ  V I *

ST  3S  3 VL I L 

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

16
 1. What is the voltage of a  connected source that delivers a 0.85 power
factor load of 500 kW at 148 A?
Sol`n.
P  500 kW P 500kW
VL    2.3 kV
3I L pf 31480.85
I L  148 A
pf  0.85

2. Two balanced 3  loads are connected to a 208 V, 3  source. One load

consists of 3 Y-connected impedances each of which has a value of
2030o . The other load is a set of  connected impedances, each one
being 2460o . Determine the total line current and power supplied by
the source.
+
Ia
Sol`n. 20
8
208
I1   6  300 A

3 2030 0

208
I2   15  600 A

3 860 
0 ZY

I a  I1  I 2  20.42  51.550 A Z
Z EQ   8600 
3
A
Using per phase analysis I1 I2
Ia
+
pT  3VL I L cos


pT  3 20820.42cos 0  51.550  208/√3 V

pT  4.57 kW -

N
3. Three coils are connected in  to a 3 , 3 wire, 480 V, 60 Hz supply and
take a line current of 25 A at a power factor of 0.90. Calculate the
resistance and inductance of each coil and the total active and reactive
power drawn from the source.
Sol`n.
25
I 25 A
I AB a   14.43 A
3 3 IAB
+
VAB 480 R
Z    cos 1 0.9
I AB 14.43 480 V
L
Z  33.2525.840  29.93  j14.5 -

R  29.93 X   14.5
B

17
 X 14.5
L   38.45mH
2f 2 60

pT  3VL I L pf  3 480250.9
pT  18.7 kW
QT   
 pT tan cos 1 pf  18.7 tan cos 1 0.9 
QT  9.06 kVAR

4. A 3  induction motor delivers 150 hp while operating at 75% efficiency

and a power factor of 0.8 lagging from 480 V lines. A Y-bank of power
factor correction capacitors is to be inserted to improve the overall power
factor to 0.9 lagging. Determine the capacitance required per .
Sol`n. +
1500.746  48
PM   149.2 kW 0
0.75
 
QM  pM tan cos 1 pf  149.2 tan cos 1 0.8  
QM  111.9 kVAR
 
QT  pM tan cos 1 pf  149.2 tan cos 1 0.9   Ind. Motor Cap. Bank
QT  72.26 kVAR
QC  QM  QT  39.64 kVAR
2
 480  Q
QC V
2
VC 2 

3
 C X C   5,8120
3 X C QC 39.64k
3 3 Q
1 QT
C  456 F Ө
2fX C ӨT
PM

5. A 600 V, 3  circuit has two balanced loads. One is a synchronous motor

that delivers 30 hp while operating at 85% efficiency and 0.7 leading
power factor. The other is an induction motor that delivers 50 hp while
operating at 80% efficiency and 0.85 lagging power factor. Find the total
rms line current.
Sol`n.
IL
300.746 +
S SM    cos 1 0.7 600 V
0.850.7  SM IM
-
 37.61  45.57 0 kVA
30HP 50HP
500.746 85% Eff 80% Eff
S IM   cos 1 0.85
0.80.85 0.7 lead’g 0.85
 54.8531.790 kVA
ST  S IM  S SM  72.981.60 kVA ST 72.98k
IL    70.2 A
3 VL 3 600

18
 6. A balanced  connected load having an impedance of 120 + j150  per
phase is supplied from a 240 V, 3  source through a 3  line having an
impedance of 2 + j5  per wire. Find the total power supplied to the load
as well as the current and voltage in each phase of the load.
Sol`n.
A Z1 A Z1
+ Ia ICA
B Z2
24 ZA ZC
+ ZB ZA
- IAB
24
B Z2 ZB - ZC
IBC
C Z3 C Z3
Z AB
ZA   40  j 50 
3
Analyzing Z1 A
phase A : +
240 Ia
V
3 ZA
-
240
Ia  IL  3  2  52.630 A N
Z1  Z A
I VAB  I AB Z AB  221.81 V
I AB  I  L  1.156 A
3 OR
2
PT  3P  3I R  481.10W P  V I PF XL
PF 
R
PT  3V I PF  481 W

19
 EXERCISE A
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. Two 3  alternators operating in parallel supply energy to a balanced 3 

load of 125 kVA at 2400 V, 0.8 lagging power factor. The first generator
supplies 75 kW at a line current of 32 A and lagging power factor. If the
second generator supplies the remaining 25 kW, what is its line current?
Also, determine the power factor of each generator.
Solution:

2. An industrial plant draws 500 kW at 0.6 lagging power factor from a 3 

system. In order to raise the power factor to 0.866 lagging and to supply
needed additional kW, a synchronous motor is added. This motor draws
300 kW. Neglecting the losses of the motor, calculate its required kVA
rating.
Solution:

3. The load connected to a 3  supply comprises three similar coils

connected in wye. The line currents are 30 A and the kVA and kW inputs
are 30 and 18, respectively. Find the line and phase voltages, the kVAR
input, and the resistance and reactance of each coil.
Solution:

20
 4. A 3 , 40 hp, 400 V, 60 Hz induction motor operates on full load with an
efficiency of 0.85% and a power factor of 0.75 lagging. Calculate the total
kVA rating of capacitors required to raise the full load power factor to
0.866 lagging. What will be the capacitance per phase if the capacitors
are  connected? If the motor is supplied through a cable of resistance
0.05  per wire, calculate the percentage reduction in cable loss and the
additional balanced lighting load in kW which the cable can supply when
the capacitors are connected.
Solution:

5. A balanced 3 ,  connected load with impedances of 17.32 +j 10  is

connected to a 3  source by 3 wires each of which has an impedance of
0.75 + j2 . The rms load phase voltage is 220 V. Find: (a) the rms line
voltage at the source; (b) the line current; (c) the total active, reactive
and apparent power by the source.
Solution:

21
 EXERCISE B
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A balanced 3  load requires 480 kW at a lagging power factor of 0.8. The

load is fed from a line having an impedance of 0.005 + j0.025 /. The
line voltage at the terminals of the load is 600 V. Calculate: (a) the
magnitude of the line current; (b) the magnitude of the line voltage at the
sending end of the line. (c) power factor at the sending end of the line.
Solution:

2. Compare the volume of conductor materials required between a single

phase, 2 wire system and a 3, 3 wire system, assuming that the amount
of power transmitted, distance of transmission, line voltage, line efficiency
and load power factor are the same for each system.
Solution:

3. The 3  average power rating of the central processing unit (cpu) on a

mainframe digital computer is 22, 659 W. The 3  line supplying the
computer has a line voltage rating of 208 Vrms. The line current is 73.8 A.
Calculate (a) total magnetizing reactive power absorbed by the cpu; (b)
power factor.
Solution:

22
 4. The complex power associated with each phase of a balanced load is 384
+ j 288 kVA. The line voltage at the terminals of the load is 4160.
Calculate (a) magnitude of the line current feeding the load; (b) If the
load is wye connected and consists of resistance in series with reactance,
Calculate R and X.
Solution:

5. A balanced, 3 , 3 wire system Y-source supplies a Y connected load

through a line having a resistance of 0.6 . Let VBC = 12060o Vrms . If the
total load (including wire resistance) is 5 KVA at 0.8 lagging power factor,
find the total power lost in the line and also, find Van.
Solution:

23
 EXERCISE C
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A 220-V, 3  voltage is applied to a balanced delta-connected 3  load of

phase impedance (15 + j20) . What are the line currents? What is the
power consumed per phase?
Solution:

2. A 3 , 37.3 KW, 440-V, 50 Hz induction motor operates on full load with

efficiency of 89% and at a power factor of 0.85 lagging. Calculate the
total KVAR rating of capacitors required to raise the full load power factor
to 0.95 lagging. What will be the capacitance per phase if the capacitors
are (a) delta connected and (b) star connected?
Solution:

3. A 3  star connected load when supplied from a 400 V, 50 Hz source takes

a line current of 10 A at 66.86o out of phase with its line voltage. Calculate
(a) impedance parameters; (b) p.f. and active power consumed.
Solution:

4. Three equal star connected coils take 8 kW at power factor 0.8 when
connected to a 460-V, 3 , 3 wire supply. Find the line currents if one coil
is short-circuited.
Solution:

24
POWER MEASUREMENT IN 3-PHASE SYSTEMS

1. Three-wattmeter method – for 3-phase, 4-wire system with

unbalanced load condition.

a
WA

b WB

c
WB

single phase loads 3-phase load

PT = WA + WB + WC

2. Two-wattmeter method – for 3-phase, 3-wire system with

balanced/unbalanced load condition.

Two-Wattmeter Method With Balanced Load Condition

Ia
a
W1
BALANCED
Ib
b 3-PHASE
W2 LOAD

W1 = Vac Ia cos (Vac - Ia)

= VL IL cos (30o - )
W2 = Vbc Ib cos (Vbc - Ib)
= VL IL cos (30o + )

W1 + W2 = VL IL ((cos 30 cos  + sin 30 sin) + (cos 30 cos 

- sin 30 sin))
= 2 VL IL cos 30 cos 

25
W1 + W2 = 3 VL IL cos  = P3

W1 – W2 = 2 VL IL sin 30 sin  = VL IL sin 

3 (W1 – W2) = 3 VL IL sin  = Q3

  Q 
p. f .  cos  tan 1 
since   P 
  3 W1  W2  
 cos  tan 1 

  W1  W2 
if leading p.f. …
  3 W1  W 2  
p. f .  cos  tan 1   
 W  W 
  1 2 
Considerations:
1. If power factor is lagging,  is (+) and W1 > W2.
If power factor is leading,  is (-) and W1 < W2.
2. If wattmeters are installed in line b and line c, Wb = W1 and Wc = W1.
If wattmeters are installed in lines a and c, Wa = W2 and Wc = W1.
3. If the phase sequence is acb, the readings of the wattmeters are
interchanged.

Load Power Factor VS Wattmeter Readings

1. p. f. = 1,  = 00, W1 = W2, PT = 2 W2 = 2 W1
(resistive load)

2. p. f. = 0,  =  900, W1  = W2 , but one meter reads

negatively PT = 0 (reactive load)

3. p. f. = 0.5,  =  600, one meter reads zero

PT = W1 , and W2 = 0 if p.f. = 0.5 lagging
PT = W2 , and W1 = 0 if p.f. = 0.5 leading

4. If 0 < p.f. < 0.5 , then  600 <  <  900 (one meter reads negatively)
PT = W1 – W2 (lagging power factor)
PT = W2 – W1 (leading power factor)

5. If 0.5 < p.f. < 1 , then 00 <  <  600 (both meters read positively)
PT = W1 + W2

26
Power Factor VS Watt Ratio Curve

PF
1.0

0.5

r
-1.0 0 1.0

smaller reading
let r
bigger reading

Solving the equation of the curve; for a lagging power factor,

W2
r
W1
Q 3 w1  w2  1 r
tan   3
P w1  w2 1 r S Q = 3 (1 - r)

P=1+r

S 1  r 2  31  r 2
 1  2r  r 2  3  6r  3r 2 1 r
pf  cos 
2 1 r  r2

 4  4r  4r 2

 2 1 r  r2
Note: For a leading power factor,
W1
r
W2
One Wattmeter Method
1. Potential - Lead Shift Method – equivalent to the two-wattmeter
method with balanced load condition.
Ia
a
W
BALANCED
balanced
3-PHASE
3 source LOAD
b

27
Wab = Vab Ia cos (Vab - Ia)
= VL IL cos (30o + ) = W2
Wac = Vac Ia cos (Vac - Ia)
= VL IL cos (30o - ) = W1
PT = Wab + Wac

2. Artificial Neutral Method

Ia
a
W
BALANCED
balanced
3-PHASE
3 source LOAD
b

c
R R R

artificial neutral

Wrdg = Van Ia cos (Van - Ia)

= (VL /3) IL cos 
= 3 VL IL cos 
3
P
 T
3

3. T Method
Ia
a
W

BALANCED
balanced b 3-PHASE
3 source R O R LOAD

Wrdg = Vao Ia cos (Van - Ia)

= 3 VL IL cos 
2
PT

2

28
 4. Current Transformer Method
Ia
CT
a Ia/2
Iw
W
BALANCED
balanced Ib/2 3-PHASE
3 source LOAD
b CT
Ib
c

Wrdg = Vao Ia cos (Van - Ia)

 3I L 
 VL   cos

 a 
PT

a

5. Alternative Method
Ia
a
W
BALANCED
balanced
3-PHASE
3 source LOAD
b

Wrdg = Vbc Ia cos (Vbc - Ia)

 V L I L sin 
QT

3

29
SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Three equal impedances, each represented by a series R + jXL circuit, are

connected in delta to a 3  source. A total power of 7, 630 W is measured
by the two-wattmeter method. If one wattmeter gives a zero deflection,
determine the values of R and XL for a line voltage of 230.
Sol`n.
pf  0.5 lag ' g …since W1 = 7630 W
A DELTA
  cos 0.5  60
1 0
and W2 = 0 W
LOAD
7630 B
Il   38.3 A W Zp = R+jXL
3 230 0.5
38.3 C
I   22.11 A
3
V 230
600  10.460   5.2  j 9
0
Z  
I 22.11
Therefore, R = 5.2 Ω and XL = 9 Ω

2. A 600 V, ACB circuit has a balanced delta load of 6020o  impedance.

Two wattmeters are connected for the two-wattmeter method with
current coils in lines B and C. Find the meter readings.
Sol`n.
600
I   10  200 A
60200 A DELTA
I L  3 I  17.32 A LOAD
B
WBA  W2  VBA I B cos30    W Zp =
60‫ے‬200Ω
W2  60017.32cos30  20  6.68 kW C
W
WCA  W1  VCA I C cos30   

W1  60017.32cos30  20  10.234 kW

3. Two wattmeters are connected for the two-wattmeter method with

current coils in lines A and B of a 208, ABC circuit that has a balanced
delta connected load. If the meter readings are 6 kW and –3 kW,
respectively, find the load impedance per phase.
A DELTA
W
LOAD
B
W Zp = ?

30
Sol`n.
W1 = 6 kW and W2 = -3 kW
Power factor is lag’g since W1 > W2 PT  W1  W2  3 kW

 3 W1  W2   ST 
PT
 15.8779.110 kVA
pf  cos  tan 1  pf
 W1  W2 

 3 6  3  S 15.87
 cos  tan 1   0.1889 lag' g I   3  25.48 A
 63  V 208
V 208
Z   79.110  8.18 79.110 
I 25.43

4. A 2.5 HP, 3  motor has an efficiency of 85% and 80% lagging power
factor. What would be the reading of the wattmeter(s) connected to
measure the input power using : (a) the two-wattmeter method; (b) the
T-method; (c) the artificial neutral method and (d) the current
transformer method (turns ratio a is 40:5).
Sol`n.
250.746 
PT   2.19412 kW
a) 0.85 From eq 1and eq 2
W1  W2  2,194.12 eq 1 W1 =1572.06 watts and
 
QT  PT tan cos 1 0.8  1645.59 VAR W2 = 622.06 watts
3 W1 W2   1645.59
W1  W2  950 eq 2
b) T Method
PT 2194.12
W   1097 watts
2 2
c) Artificial Neutral Method
P 2194.12
W  T   731.3 watts
3 3
d) Current Transformer Method
P 2194.12 40
W  T   274.3 watts a 8
a 8 5

5. A current coil of a wattmeter is inserted in line A with the potential coil

connected across lines B and C. Connected this way, the meter reads 500
W. If the 3  load connected operates at 0.85 lagging power factor, what
is the total power supplied by the source?
Sol`n.
QT QT  866.03 VAR QT
W   500 watts PT   1397.4 VAR
a) 3 
tan cos 1 0.85 

31
 A
W

B LOAD

6. Two wattmeters measure the total power in a 3  circuit and are correctly
connected. One reads 8,400 W while the other reads backwards. On
reversing the latter, it reads 800 W. What is the total power absorbed by
the circuit and the power factor?
Sol`n.
W1 = 8400 W and W2 = -800 W
PT  7600 watts A
W
 3 W1  W2   BALANCE
pf  cos  tan 1 
 W1  W2  B
W LOAD
 3 9200  
pf  cos  tan 1 
 7600  C
pf  0.43 lag ' g since W1 > W2

32
 EXERCISE A
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A 3 , 416 V, 60 Hz supply is connected to a 3 , Y connected induction

motor and synchronous motor. Impedance per phase of the induction
motor is (1.25 + j2.17). The 3 phase synchronous motor is over excited
and it draws 120 A at 0.87 leading power factor. Two wattmeters are
connected in usual manner to measure the power drawn by the two
motors. Calculate the reading on each wattmeter and the combined load
power factor
Solution:

2. Phase voltage and current of a star connected inductive load is 150 V and
25 A. Power factor of the load is 0.707 (lag). Assuming that the system is
3-wire and power is measured using two wattmeters, find the readings of
the wattmeters.
Solution:

3. In a balanced 3 , 400 V circuit, the line current is 115.5 A. When power

is measured by two-watmeter method, one meter reads 40 kW and the
other zero. What is the power factor of the load? If the power factor were
unity and the line current the same, what would be the reading of each
wattmeter?
Solution:

33
 4. The input power to a three phase motor was measured by two wattmeter
method. The readings were 10.4 kW and –3.4 kW and the voltage was
400 V. Calculate the power factor and the line current.
Solution:

5. A 3 , 3-wire, 100-V, ABC system supplies a balanced delta connected

load with impedance of 2045o . Determine the phase and line currents.
Find the wattmeter readings when the two wattmeter method is applied
to the system.
Solution:

6. A 3 , 500-V motor load has a power factor of 0.4. Two wattmeters

connected to measure the power show the input to be 30 kW. Find the
reading on each instrument.
Solution:

34
 EXERCISE B
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. The power in a 3  circuit is measured by two wattmeters. If the total

power is 100 kW and power factor is 0.66 leading, what will be the
reading of each wattmeter? For what power factor will one of the
wattmeter read zero?
Solution:

2. Two wattmeters are used for measuring the power input and the power
factor of an over-excited synchronous motor. If the readings of the meters
are –2 kW and 7 kW respectively, calculate the input power and power
factor of the motor.
Solution:

3. A 440-V, 3 , -connected induction motor has an output of 14.92 kW at

a power factor of 0.82 and efficiency 85%. Calculate the readings on each
of the two wattmeters connected to measure the input. IF another star-
connected load of 10 kW at 0.85 power factor lagging is added in parallel
to the motor, what will be the current drawn from the line and the power
taken from the line.
Solution:

35
 4. The power input to a synchronous motor is measured by two wattmeters
both of which indicate 50 kW. IF the power factor of the motor be
changed to 0.866 leading, determine the readings of the two wattmeters,
the total input power being the same.
Solution:

5. A star-connected balanced load is supplied from a 3  balanced supply

with a line voltage of 416 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Each phase of the
load consists of a resistance and a capacitor joined in series and the
reading on two wattmeters connected to measure the total power
supplied are 782 W and 1,980 W, both positive. Find the (a) power factor
of circuit; (b) line current; (c) capacitance of each capacitor.
Solution:

36
 EXERCISE C
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. Each phase of a 3 , -connected load consists of an impedance Z =

2060o . The line voltage is 440 V at 50 Hz. Compute the power
consumed by each phase impedance and the total power. What will be
the readings on the two wattmeters connected?
Solution:

2. The power flowing in a 3-, 3-wire balanced load system is measured by

two wattmeter method. Readings are : WA = 7,500 W and WA = -1,250 W.
What is the power factor of the system? If the voltage of the circuit is 480
V at 60 Hz, what is the value of the capacitance which must be introduced
into each phase (-connected) to cause the whole of power measured to
appear on WA.
Solution:

3. A 3-, 3-wire, 415 V system supplies a balanced load of 20 A at a power

factor of 0.8 lag. The current coil of W2 is in a and W1 is in phase c.
Calculate (a) the reading on W1 when its voltage coil is across b and c. (b)
the reading on W2 when its voltage coil is across b and c.
Solution:

37
 4. A wattmeter with its current coil in line 2 and potential coil across lines 2
& 3 is connected to a balanced 3- system. The only load supplied is a
single phase one connected to lines 1 and 2. If the wattmeter reads zero,
what is the power factor of the load?
Solution:

5. A 230-V, 3-, 3-wire ac source supplies power to an industrial load that

draws the following line voltages and line currents: Vab = 4160 V; Vbc =
4160240o V ; Vca = 4160-120o V; Ia = 110-36.87o A; Ib = 166.5 -
168.2o A; Ic = not measured. If power is measured by two wattmeter
method, find the total power drawn.
Solution:

UNBALANCED LOAD CONDITIONS

38
 1. Delta System

Ia
a
W1

Ib
b
W2

Let Vab = VL 0o V

Vbc = VL -120o V
Vca = VL 120o V
If the loads are expressed in terms of impedances,
Iab = Vab / Zab Ia = Iab – Ica
Ibc = Vbc / Zbc Ib = Ibc – Iab
Ica = Vca / Zca Ic = Ica – Ibc
Note:
Iab + Ibc + Ica  0
Ia + Ib + Ic = 0

W1 = Vac Ia cos (Vac - Ia)

W2 = Vbc Ib cos (Vbc - Ib)
PT = W1 + W2 or Pab + Pbc + Pca

2. Wye – System ---- 3–, 4-wire

Ia
a
Ib
b
Ic
c

Zan Zbn Zcn

n In

Let Van = Vp 0o V

39
 Vbc = Vp -120o V where Vp = VL /3
Vca = Vp 120o V
If the loads are expressed in terms of impedances,
Ia = Van / Zan
Ib = Vbn / Zbn In = - (Ia + Ib + Ic)
Ic = Vcn / Zcn

W1 = Van Ia cos (Van - Ia)

W2 = Vbn Ib cos (Vbn - Ib)
PT = W1 + W2 or Pan + Pbn + Pcn

3. Wye – System ---- 3–, 3-wire

a

Ia
B+ + A
b VBN VAN
Ib
ZB ZA
-
N

ZC VCN
Ic
C +C

VAN, VBN and VCN are NOT balanced although Vab, Vbc and Vca are balanced
voltages.

a. By Mesh Analysis

Vab = (ZA + ZB) I1 - ZB I2

Vbc = -ZB I1 + (ZB + ZC) I2

where

Ia = I 1 ; Ib = I 2 – I 1 ; Ic = -I2

I a + Ib + Ic = 0

b. By Wye to Delta Transformation

40
Transform the Y-connected impedances to an equivalent delta-connection and
solve the line currents using the method given for delta system.

Using y- conversion

Z AZ B  Z B ZC  ZC Z A
Z AB 
ZC
Z AZ B  Z B ZC  ZC Z A
Z BC 
ZA
Z AZ B  Z B ZC  ZC Z A
Z CA 
ZB

c. Displacement Voltage, VON

Ia
a + + B + + A
b VBN VAN
Ib
VON YB YA
- + - -
O N
IN YN
YC VCN
Ic
+ C +C

V ao Y A  Vbo Y B  Vco YC
VON  
Y A  Y B  YC  Y N

where : VON is displacement voltage (the voltage between the neutral

path of the source and that of the load).

VON = VAN - Vao

= VBN - Vbo

= VCN - Vco

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

41
 1. A balanced 3- source supplies energy to an unbalanced Y-connected load.
Two of the load voltages are Vbn = 150 -30o V and Vcn = 120 -175o V.
Calculate the voltage between the neutral point of the source and that of
the load.
Sol`n.
By KVL 1, a b b a
Vbc  Vbn  Vcn  150  300  120  1750 + +
Vbc  257.66  14.510 V - + - n
o + Von -
V Vbc
Vbo  bc   300  148.76  44.510 V
3
-
By KVL 2, c c
Von  Vbn  Vbo  37.750.880 V
Von  37.7 V

2. A 3–, 480 V, 60 Hz source feeds an unbalanced -connected load given as

follows: Load ab: 20 A at 0.6 leading power factor
Load bc: 12 kW lighting load
Load ca: series R-L circuit (R=16 and L= 31.83 mH)
(a) Obtain the line currents
(b) If two wattmeters are installed in lines a and b to measure the total
power, find the reading on each wattmeter.
Sol`n.
Vab  48000 V Ia
Vbc  480  1200 V a
Vca  4801200 V Iab 20A
Vac  480  60 V 0
Ib 0.6 Ica
12
b
I ab  20 cos 1 0.6  2053.130 A
12000 12k 31.8
I ab    1200  cos 1 1  25  1200 A Ibc W 3m
4801 Ic
Z ca  16  j 2f 31.83mH   16  j12  c
Vca 4801200 Ia
I ca    2483.10 A a
Z ca 16  j12 W
By KCL 20A
I o  I ab  I ca  12.03  40.640 A Ib 0.6 12
b
I b  I bc  I ab  44.92  123.05 0
A
W
12k 31.8
I c  I ca  I bc  4871.31
0
A
W 3m
Ic
c
Wa  Vac I a cosVac  I a   48012.03cos 60  40.64  5.45 kW

42
Wb  Vbc I b cosVbc  I b   48044.92cos 120  123.05  21.5 kW

PT  Wa  Wb  26.95 kW

3. A 3-, 4 wire system supplies 3 loads at 480 V and lighting at 277 V. If the
lamps in use require 75 A, 84 A, and 68 A in each of the three lines, what
would be the current in the neutral wire? If a 3 motor is now started,
taking 240 A from the line at 0.6 lagging power factor, what would be the
current in each line and the neutral wire?
Sol`n.
Ia
Van  27700 V a
Vbn  277  1200 V Ib 24
b
Van  2771200 V
Ic 24
c
I N   I a  I b  I c 
24

I N   7500  84  1200  681200  75 84 68 3-p motor
I N   13.89  94.130 A
n IN 240 A
I a  7500  240  300  307.25  22.990 A pf = 1 0.6
I b  84  1200  240  1500  315.55  142.350 A
I c  681200  240900  300.896.490 A

4. In the figure below, Ean = 230 V and the phase sequence is ABC. Find the line
currents and phase currents.

Ia 30+j40
a + +b B A
Ib

n -
50-j30 40+j30

+ Ic
c C
Sol`n.
Vab  3Ean   300 V  3 230 0  300  398.37300 V
Vbc  398.37  900 V
Vca  398.371500 V

Vab I o  I ab  I ca  14.79  450 A

I ab   7.97  23.130 A
Z ab
V I b  I bc  I ab  4.69  144.460 A
I bc  bc  6.83  59.040 A
Z bc
V I c  I ca  I bc  14.77116.740 A
I ca  ca  7.97113.130 A
Z ca

43
 5. A 3–, 3-wire, 240 V, ABC system supplies a  connected load in which ZAB =
2590o , ZBC = 1530o , ZCA = 20 . Find the line currents and total
power.
Ia
Sol`n. A
240 + IAB
I ab   9.6  900 A
25900
240 V ZA ZC
240  1200
I bc   16  1500 A
15300 - IBC ICA
2401200 Ib
I ca  0
 121200 A C
20 B
ZB
Ic
I a  I ab  I ca  20.87  73.29 0 A

I b  I bc  I ab  13.95173.410 A

I c  I ca  I bc  20  66.87 0 A PT  Pab  Pbc  Pca

 0  16  13  12  20 
2 2

PT  6208 W

44
 EXERCISE A
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A unbalanced star-connected load has branch impedances of Z1 = 10 30o

; Z2 = 10 -45o ; and Z3 = 20 60o  and is connected across a
balanced 3-, 3-wire supply of 200 V. Find the line currents and the voltage
across each impedance.
Solution:

2. A 3–, 4-wire, 480/277 V, 60 Hz source supplies energy to a 45 kVA, 0.866

lagging power factor 3 induction motor and the following single phase
loads: Load an: series R-L circuit (R=15 and L= 53.05 mH)
Load bn: 15 A, 0.5 leading power factor
Load cn: 3.6 kW, 0.9 lagging power factor
(a) Obtain the line currents
(b) What will be the total kW and kVA supplied by the source?
Solution:

3. A 3–, 440 V, 60 Hz source feeds an unbalanced -connected load given as

follows: Load ab: 12 HP motor at 80% efficiency and 0.7 lagging
power factor
Load bc: 15 kVA load, 0.9 lagging power factor
Load ca: 16.5 kW heating load
(a) Obtain the line currents
(b)What will be the total kW and kVA supplied by the source?
Solution:

45
 4. A 3–, 4-wire, 440 V, symmetrical system feeds a Y-connected load having
branch impedances: ZA = 100 ; ZB = j 10 ; ZC = -j 10 . Compare the
values of load phase voltages and currents and neutral current. Phase
sequence is abc. How will these values change in the event of an open in
the neutral wire?
Solution:

5. Three resistors 10, 20 and 20  are connected in star to the terminals a, b

and c of a 3–, 3 wire supply through two single phase wattmeters for power
measurement with current coils in lines a and c and pressure coils between a
and b and between c and b. Calculate the line currents and W-readings.
Solution:

6. For the unbalanced -connected load in the figure, find (a) line currents,
phase currents and total power consumed by the load when phase sequence
is ABC and when sequence is ACB.
a

100V 6+j8 4-j3

b
8+j6

c
Solution:

46
 EXERCISE B
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A balanced 3– supplies an unbalanced 3– -connected load made up of 2

resistors 100 each and a reactor having an inductance of 0.3H with
negligible resistance. VL = 100 V a 50 Hz. Calculate the total power of the
system.
Solution:

2. A 3-, 4-wire system having a 254-V line to neutral has the following loads
connected between the respective lines and neutral; ZA=10 , ZB = 1037o,
ZC =10-53o. Calculate the current in the neutral wire and the power taken
by each load when the phase sequence is (a) ABC and (b) ACB.
Solution:

3. A 3-, 4-wire, 380 V supply is connected to an unbalanced load having phase

impedances of ZA = 8+j6 , ZB =8-j6 , ZC = 5. Impedance of the neutral
wire is ZN = 0.5+j1 . Find the line currents and voltages of the load.
Solution:

47
 4. A Y-connected load is supplied from a 400-V, 3-, 3-wire symmetrical system
ABC. The branch circuit impedances are ZA = 103 + j10 , ZB = 20 +j203
, ZC = 0 - j10 . Determine the current in each branch.
Solution:

5. For the circuit shown, two-wattmeter method is used to measure power.

What is the reading of each if VL = 200 V and sequence is ABC?
a

553.13o 100

10-90o 

c
Solution:

6. Three impedances ZA, ZB, and ZC are connected in  to a 200-V, 3-, 3-wire
symmetrical ABC. ZAB = 1060o, ZBC = 100o, ZCA = 1060o., Two-
wattmeter method is used to measure power. What is the reading of each if
sequence is ABC. Find also the total power supplied.
Solution:

48
 EXERCISE C
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. Two unequal single induction motor loads are connected between lines of a
balanced 3-, 240 V source whose sequence is AB-BC-CA. Motor connected at
lines A and B takes 3.73 kW at 0.8 power factor while motor 2 at lines B and
C takes 2.5 kW at 0.7 power factor. What is the current at line B?
Solution:

2. Two equal resistors of 3 are connected in series across lines 1 and 2 of a

balanced 230/400 V, 3–, 4-wire system. A 10 resistor is connected across
point “N” between the two resistors and the neutral conductor of the system.
What is the neutral current?
Solution:

3. The ratio of the wattmeter readings in the three phase inductive system is
2:1 when power is measured by two wattmeter. What is the power factor of
the load?
Solution:

4. Two single-phase motors are connected to a 3-, 4-wire, Y feeder having 220
V between phase and the neutral. One motor rated 5 HP, 0.866 pf lagging
and 90% efficiency is connected across phase A and neutral. The second
motor is connected across phase C and neutral and rated 3 HP, 0.707 pf
lagging and 90% efficiency. Determine the current in the neutral wire.

49
 5. The phase sequence tester shown is connected to a 416 V, 3 , 60 Hz whose
phase sequence is ABC. The choke has an inductance of 0.5 H with negligible
resistance and the lamps each have a resistance of 100 . Calculate the
current drawn by each lamp. What will be the current drawn by each lamp if
the phase sequence of the source is changed to ACB?
Solution:

6. A 3 , 500 V balanced system supplies energy to an unbalanced delta-

connected load. The line currents are Ia = 141.4 A; Ib = Ic = 100 A. One
wattmeter is used and it is connected with its current coil in line A and its
potential coil across line A and B. If the wattmeter reads 70.7 kW, what is the
total power supplied to the delta load? Assume sequence id ABC where Vab =
500 V.
Solution:

7. Two wattmeters are connected to a -connected load across the lines of a

balanced 230 V, 3  system to measure total power. The current coils of the
wattmeters are in lines 1 and 2 and the potential coils between 2 and 3 and
between 1 and 3 respectively. The first wattmeter indicates 5 kW and the
second reads 12 kW. What is the total power supplied to the load if the
currents in lines 1 and 2 are 50 A and 55 A respectively?
Solution:

50
SYMMETRICAL COMPONENTS

 First proposed by C.L. Fortescue and has been found very useful in solving
unbalanced polyphase circuits, for analytical determination of the
performance of polyphase machinery when operated from a system of
unbalanced voltages and for calculation of currents resulting from
unbalanced faults.
 According to Fortescue’s theorem, any unbalanced 3-phase system of
vectors (voltages or currents) can be resolved into three balanced systems
of vectors which are called ‘symmetrical components’.

Consider:
Three unbalanced voltage vectors VA , VB, and VC having phase sequence
ABC.

VC

145o VA

30o

60o

VB

This can be regarded as made up of the following symmetrical components:

1. POSITIVE SEQUENCE COMPONENTS

VA1

VC1 120o

120o
120o

VB1
VA1 = VA1

VB1 = a2 VA1 = VA! -120o

VC1 = a VA1 = VA1 120o

51
 2. NEGATIVE SEQUENCE COMPONENTS

VC 2

120o 120o

120o
VA 2
VB2

VA2 = VA2

VB2 = aVA2 = VA2 120o

VC1 = a2 VA2 = VA2 -120o

3. ZERO SEQUENCE COMPONENTS

VA O

VB O

VC O

VA0 = VB0 = VC0

Therefore:

VA = VA1 + VA2 + VA0 (1)

VB = VB1 + VB2 + VB0 (2)

VC = VC1 + VC2 + VC0 (3)

For simplicity, let us write VA1 as V1, VA2 as V2, and VA0 as V0

52
 V A = V1 + V2 + V0 (4)

VB = a2 V1 + aV2 + V0 (5)

VC = a V1 + a2 V2 + V0 (6)

Evaluation of VA1 or V1

Multiplying (5) by a and (6) by a2, we get

aVB = a3 V1 + a2 V2 + aV0 and a2 VC = a3 V1 + a4 V2 + a2 V0

a3 = 1 : a4 = a

aVB = V1 + a2 V2 + aV0 (7)

a2 VC = V1 + aV2 + a2 V0 (8)

Adding (4), (7) and (8), we get

VA + aVB + a2 VC = 3V1 + V2 (1 + a + a2) + V0 (1+ a + a2) = 3V1

Therefore

V1 
1
3
V A  aVB  a 2VC 

Evaluation of VA2 or V2

Multiplying (5) by a2 and (6) by a, we get

aVC = a2 V1 + a3 V2 + aV0 and a2 VB = a4 V1 + a3 V2 + a2 V0

a3 = 1 : a4 = a

a2 VB = aV1 + V2 + a2 V0 (7)

aVC = a2 V1 + V2 + a V0 (8)

53
Adding (4), (9) and (10), we get

VA + a2 VB + aVC = V1 (1 + a + a2) + 3V2 + V0 (1+ a + a2) = 3V2

Therefore

V2 
1
3
V A  a 2V B  aVC 

Evaluation of VA0 or V0

Adding (4), (5) and (6), we get

VA + VB + VC = V1 (1 + a + a2) + V2 (1+ a + a2) + 3V0= 3V0

Therefore

1
V0  V A  V B  VC 
3

For currents

IA = I1 + I2 + I0

IB = a2 I1 + aI2 + I0

IC = a I1 + a2 I2 + I0
and
I1 
1
3

I A  aI B  a 2 I C 
I2 
1
3

I A  a 2 I B  aI C 
1
I0  I A  I B  I C 
3

The a (1200 ) operator

In three-phase work where voltage vectors are displaced by 1200, it is

convenient to employ an operator which rotates a vector through 1200 forward or
backward without changing its length. This operator is ‘a’. Any vector multiplied by
‘a’ remains unchanged in magnitude but is rotated by 1200 in the counter clockwise
direction.
a = 1 1200

54
SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Find the positive, negative and zero – phase sequence components of the
following set of three unbalanced voltage vectors: VA = 10 300 V; VB =
30 -600 V; VC = 15 1450 V.
Sol’n.
Positive Phase sequence
1
3
 1
 
V1  VA  aVB  a 2VC  1030 0  1120 0 3060 0  1  120 0 5145 0
3
     
V1  17.5845.05 V 0

 
VB1  a 2V1  1  1200 17.5845.050  17.58  74.950 V 
 
VC1  a V1  1120 0 17.5845.05 0  17.58168.15 0 V 
Negative Phase sequence
1
3
 1
 
V2  V A  aVB  a 2VC  1030 0  1  120 0 3060 0  1120 0 5145 0
3
     
V2  8.24  156.3 V 0

 
VB 2  aV2  1120 0 8.24  156.30  8.24  36.30 V 
 
VC 2  a 2V2  1  120 0 8.24  156.30  8.24  276.2 0 V 
Zero Phase sequence
1
V0  VB 0  VC 0  V A  VB  VC 
3
V0  VB 0  VC 0  5.6  47.42 0 V

2. Determine the values of the symmetrical components of a system of

currents: IA = 0 + j120 A ; IB = 50 – j100 A ; IC = -100 – j50 A. Phase
sequence is ABC.
Sol’n.
Positive Phase sequence

1
I 1  I A  aI B  a 2 I C
3


1
 
 12090 0  1120 0 111.8  63.430  1  120 0 111.8  153.430
3
   
I 1  110.6778.130 A
 
I B1  a 2 I 1  1  120 0 110.6778.130  110.67  41.87 0 A 
 
I C1  aI 1  1120 0 110.6778.130  110.67  161.89 0 A 
Negative Phase sequence
1
I 2  I A  a 2 I B  aI C
3


1
 
 12090 0  1  120 0 111.8  63.430  1120 0 111.8  153.430
3
   
I 2  22.54105.7 0 A
 
I B 2  aI 2  11200 22.54105.7 0  22.54  134.30 A 
 
I C 2  a 2 I 2  1  1200 22.54105.7 0  22.54  14.300 A 
Zero Phase sequence
1
I 0  I A  I B  I C 
3

55
 
1
3
   
120900  111.8  63.430  111.8  153.430 
I0  I B0  I C 0  19.42  149.030 A

3. In a 3-, 4-wire system, the currents in the lines under abnormal

conditions of loading were as follows: IA = 100 30o A ; IB = 50 3000 A ;
IC = 30 1800 A. Calculate the positive, negative and zero-phase sequence
currents in the A-line and the current in the neutral conductor.
Sol’n.
Positive Phase sequence
1

I 1  I A  aI B  a 2 I C
3

1
  
 100300  11200 503000  1  1200 301800
3
   
I1  57.9843.290 A

Negative Phase sequence

1

I 2  I A  a 2 I B  aI C
3

1
  
 100300  1  1200 503000  11200 301800
3
   
I 2  18.9724.960 A

Zero Phase sequence

1
I 0  I A  I B  I C 
3
1
 
 100300  503000  301800
3
  
I 0  27.294.690 A

I N  I A  I B  I C   3I 0

 
I N  3 27.294.690  81.884.690 A

EXERCISE A
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. A 3-, 4-wire system supplies loads which are unequally distributed on the
three phases. An analysis of the currents flowing in the direction of the loads
in the A, B and C lines shows that in the A-line, the positive phase sequence

56
 current is 200 00 A and the negative phase sequence current is 100 600.
The total observed current in the neutral conductor is 300 3000 A. Calculate
the currents in phase and magnitude in the three lines.
Solution:

2. Prove that in a three phase system, if V1, V2, and V3 are three balanced
voltages whose phasor sum is zero, the positive and negative sequence
components can be expressed as:

 1
V1P   
V1  V 2 60 0 30 0
 3 
 1 
V1N    
V1  V 2   60 0   30 0
 3 
Solution:

3. A system of 3- currents is given as IA = 101800 A; IB = 14.14- 450 A ; IC

= 10900 A. Determine phasor expression for the sequence components of
these currents. Phase sequence is AB-BC-CA.
Solution:

4. A balanced star-connected load takes 75 A from a balanced 3-, 4-wire

supply. If the fuses in two of the supply lines are removed, find the
symmetrical components of the line currents before and after the fuses are
removed.
Solution:
EXERCISE B
Name_________________________ Rating ________________

1. Three equal impedances of (8 + j6) are connected in star across a 3-, 3-

wire supply. The phase voltages are VA = 220 00 V; VB = (-j220) V; and VC
= (-100 + j220) V. If there is no connection between the load neutral and the

57
 supply neutral, calculate the symmetrical components of A-phase current and
the three line currents
Solution:

2. The following currents were recorded in the A, B and C lines of a 3- system
under abnormal conditions: IA = 3003000 A; IB = 5002400 A ; IC =
1000600 A. Calculate the positive, negative and zero phase sequence
components.
Solution:

3. Calculate the symmetrical components of the three currents IA = 1000 A; IB

= 1002500 A ; IC = 101100 A.
Solution:

4. The three current vectors of a 3-, 4-wire system have the following values:
IA = (7 + j0) A; IB = (-12 – j13) A ; IC = (-2 + j3) A. Find the symmetrical
components.
Solution:

58