EE301 – Three Phase Power

Learning Objectives
a. Compute the real, reactive and apparent power in three phase systems
b. Calculate currents and voltages in more challenging three phase circuit arrangements
c. Apply the principles of Power Factor Correction to a three phase load
Recall that the power triangle graphically shows the relationship between
real (P), reactive (Q) and apparent power (S).
P  VI cos  S cos (W)
Q  VI sin   S sin  (VAR)

We will first examine three-phase power in the context of a wye-load; then we’ll examine a delta load.
Power to the Wye-Load
Active (Real) Power. Suppose that each phase has impedance Z  Z   R  X  j .

Then the active (real) power per phase (P) is given

VR 2
P  V I cos =I 2 R = phase power
R

Because we are considering a balanced system, the power per phase (P) is identical in all three phases,
and thus the total active power (PT) is simply PT = 3 P.
PT  Pan  Pbn  Pcn  3P
Using line voltage ( VL  3V ) and line current (IL=I), we have
V 
PT  3 P  3V I  cos    3  L  I L cos   3VL I L cos   (W )
 3
Reactive Power The reactive power per phase (Q) is given by
VX 2
Q  V I sin   I 2 X   (VAR) = Q
X

The total reactive power can be calculated similar to the total active power:
QT  3VL I L sin  (VAR)
Apparent Power
The apparent power per phase (S) is given
V 2
S  V I  I 2 Z  (VA)
Z
ST  3VL I L (VA)
PT P
The power factor (FP) is given FP    cos  
ST S

1 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

Power to the Delta () Load

Active (Real) Power.

Total active power (PT) is simply PT = 3 P

PT  Pab  Pbc  Pca  3P
Using line voltage (VL=I) and line current ( I L  3I ):
 I 
PT  3P  3V I cos  3VL  L  cos  3VL I L cos (W)
 3
Which was the EXACT same equation as for Y loads
Reactive and Apparent Power The equations for calculating total reactive and apparent power are also
identical to the Wye load versions:

QT  3VL I L sin  (VAR)

ST  3VL I L (VA)

The applicable portion of the equation sheet:

2 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

1 Example: In the Y-Y circuit shown, EAN = 277-30 V.

a. Compute PΦ
b. Compute PT
c. Compute QΦ
d. Compute QT
e. Compute SΦ
f. Compute ST
g. Compute FP
Solution:

3 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

2 Example:
In the circuit shown EAN = 120-30 V

a. Determine per phase powers (active, reactive, and

apparent)
b. Determine total powers (active, reactive, and apparent) by
multiplying the per-phase powers by 3
c. Determine total powers (active, reactive, and apparent) by
using these formulas:
ST  3VL I L PT  ST cos QT  ST sin 

Solution:

4 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

3 Example: In the circuit shown, EAB = 2080 V

a. Determine the line currents
b. Determine total real power delivered by the generator
c. Total real power dissipated by the load
d. Determine the load phase voltage Van

Solution:

5 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

4 Example: In the circuit shown, EAB = 2080 V

a. Find the load phase voltage Vab
b. Find ST, QT, and PT delivered by the generator
c. Find ST, QT, and PT of the load

Solution:

6 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

Power Factor Correction

Recall: In order to cancel the reactive component of power, we must
add reactance of the opposite type. This is called power factor
correction.

In a three phase circuit, capacitors are connected in parallel with

each load phase (presuming the actual load is inductive, which is
usually the case)

Solution steps:
1. Calculate the reactive power (Q) of ONE PHASE of the load
2. Insert a component in parallel of the load that will cancel out that reactive power
e.g. If the load has QΦ=512 VAR, insert a capacitor with QΦ= -512 VAR
3. Calculate the reactance (X) that will give this value of Q
Normally the Q=V2/X formula will work
4. Calculate the component value (F or H) required to provide that reactance

7 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

5 Example:
In the system shown we have EAB = 4800 V.
The frequency is 60 Hz.

Determine value of capacitor which must be placed across each

phase of the motor to correct to a unity power factor.

Solution:

8 11/16/2016
 EE301 – Three Phase Power

6 Example:
In the circuit below, the 60 Hz motor is providing 100 hp at an efficiency of 80%. The power factor of
the motor is 0.85 (lag). The line voltage is 575 V.

The capacitors are connected in a Y-configuration, and each capacitor has the value C = 120  F .
Compute the overall power factor of the system.

Solution:

9 11/16/2016