STAR AND DELTA SYSTEM

Star/wye connection and delta connection are the two different methods which are
used for connecting 3 phase system.

STAR CONNECTION

 Way to connect 3 phase generator to the load.

 As you can see this connection requires 6 wires to connect.
 The three-single phase circuit shown in this figure are electrically independent.
 We can combine the three return conductors together to form a single return
conductor.
 As a result, we have saved cost of two conductors, as the number of conductor
are reduced from 6 to 4.
 Now, this common return conductor is called as Neutral conductor.
 It carries sum of three currents Ia + Ib + Ic.
 The conductor required for neutral should be 3 times in the size than the other
three conductors.
 But, as we know, current of the three phases are out of phase by 120 deg from
each other.

 if you observe the diagram carefully, you’ll find that the sum of return currents is
zero at every instance. For example, at instant shown above, corresponding to
 240 deg, Ic = Imax and Ib = Ia = -0.5 Imax.
So, if we add these return currents, we’ll get the sum =0, and this is true for every
instance.
 Ia + Ib + Ic = (-0.5Imax – 0.5Imax) + Imax
Ia + Ib + Ic = – Imax + Imax = 0
 We can therefore, remove the neutral conductor without affecting the voltage or
current in the circuit.
 So, we have reduced the number of conductors 6 which was the initial stage to 3.
50% saving in conductor cost!
 However, to achieve this, the load shown in the circuit must be identical. If the
load is not identical, then removing neutral conductor can cause unequal voltages
across the loads.
 So, in an ideal situation or in the situation where load is equal, current flowing
through neutral conductor is Zero.
 The conditions where load is not equal, a neutral must be provided.
 3.5 core cable, that 0.5 core is your neutral conductor.

The figure shown above is called as 3 phase 4 wire system. The neutral conductor can
be of similar size or may be slightly smaller than the other conductors. 3 phase 4 wire
system is widely used to supply power to commercial and industrial customers.
VOLTAGE & CURRENT IN START CONNECTION
Now, when we talk about star connected three phase system, we must know about
these two concepts.
 1. Line to line voltage
2. Line to neutral voltage.

 The voltage between A and N is called as line to neutral voltage.

 Similarly, voltage between A and B is called as line to line voltage.
 Relation between these voltages as well as current changes with the type of
connection.
CURRENT IS STAR CONNECTED SYSTEM
 In case of star connection, line to neutral current is equal to line to line current.

VOLTAGE IN STAR CONNECTED SYSTEM

 But in case of voltage, it is different. Consider the above star connected 3 phase 4
wire system.
 If you apply the kirchoff’s voltage law to the above circuit, you’ll find that, line to
line voltage is 1.73 (ROOT 3) times the line to neutral voltage.

 Voltage which we receive in our home is the Line to neutral voltage I.e. 230 volts
(in India) .
DELTA CONNECTION

One of the other way to connect three phase system is called as delta connection. The
connection is so named because it resembles the greek letter delta .
Voltage & current in Delta connection
Let have a look at the voltage and currents relationship in delta connection.
Voltage in Delta connection
Now in case of delta connection, voltage across each connection is same as line voltage.

Current in Delta connection

But, in case of current, current across each element is different than the line current. If
you apply the Kirchhoff’s law and do some math, you’ll find that the line current is root
3 times greater than the current in each branch of delta connected system.

APPLICATION OF STAR & DELTA CONNECTION

Generally, star connection is used where you need a neutral and two separate voltages,
like our distribution system.
Delta connection is generally preferred where neutral conductor is not needed like for
transmission of high voltage power. Also, delta connection is preferred where 3rd
harmonics needs to controlled.
Star and delta connections are almost used everywhere when we talk about 3 phase
system.
You’ll generally find 3 phase transformer connected in different combinations of star
and delta connection. For example,
 Star – star connected transformer is generally used as an auto transformer.
 Delta – delta connected transformer is generally used for high voltage
transmission.
 Delta – star connected transformer is generally used as a distribution transformer.

POWER TRANSMITTED BY STAR & DELTA CONNECTIONS.

Now, as we have studied the star & delta connection, a question can pop up, power
transferred by a star connection and power transfer by a delta connection is same or
different? So, let’s find that out
Consider the star connected winding first. Apparent power transferred by a single phase
is given by.

This is the power transferred by a single phase. To calculate the power transferred by 3
phase we can multiply this equation by 3.

Similarly, Apparent power transferred by a single phase of delta connection is given by.
Multiply above equation by 3 to calculate power transferred by 3 phase. And you’ll get
the same result as star connection.

And this proves, power transmitted by both the connection is same.

SUMAMRY
 3 phase system can be connected in two different styles I.e. star or delta.
 In star connection, line to line current is equal to line to neutral current. But, line
to line voltage is root 3 times the line to neutral voltage.
 In delta connection, voltage across each element is equal to line voltage. But, line
current is root 3 times the current flowing through each element.
 Power transmitted by both the connection is same.