Engineering Why Is Current Divided by sqrt(3) in 3-Phase AC Mains?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the division of line current Is by sqrt(3) in a 3-phase AC system. It explains that the transformer supplies 3-phase power, typically described in line-to-line or Y-connected terms, and that the current calculation involves converting from delta to line current. The participant highlights that to find the phase current, Is must be divided by sqrt(3) after calculating the delta line current. The relationship between voltage and current in phase diagrams is also referenced to clarify this concept. Understanding these relationships is essential for correctly analyzing 3-phase AC systems.
thatsmessedup
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
EXAMPLE 2.7
Three 1φ, 50 kVA, 2300=230 V, 60 Hz transformers are connected to form a 3φ, 4000=230 V
transformer bank. The equivalent impedance of each transformer referred to low voltage is
0:012 + j0:016 Ω. The 3φ transformer supplies a 3φ, 120 kVA, 230 V, 0:85 PF (lag) load.
(a) Draw a schematic diagram showing the transformer connection.
(b) Determine the transformer winding currents.
(c) Determine the primary voltage (line-to-line) required.
(d) Determine the voltage regulation
Relevant Equations
Please see attached
In this example I am thoroughly confused on why Is is divided by sqrt(3). My understanding is that the transformer supplies 3 phase (which is always described in line to line or Y connected). So the current in the winding should be 120[KVA]/230[V] then multiplied by sqrt(3) to convert it to delta line current. Then I2 would be Is divided by sqrt(3) to get the phase current.

Where are the appropiate formulas or diagrams that will make this problem make more sense?
Thanks!

1.JPG

2.7a.JPG


This is where I am seeing that I should multiply sqrt(3) to get the delta line current. (exuding the a because I am not going from one transformer to the other)
Capture.JPG
 

Attachments

  • 2.7a.JPG
    2.7a.JPG
    25.8 KB · Views: 365
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
If you draw three delta-connected resistances representing the load, in place of that rectangle, and calculate the current in each resistance of that load, it's 120kVA ÷ 3 ÷ 230V

But Is in the diagram is the sum of two of these currents. Is is the line current of a delta-connected load having that value of phase current.
 
  • Like
Likes thatsmessedup
thatsmessedup said:
In this example I am thoroughly confused on why Is is divided by sqrt(3).

(My understanding is that the transformer supplies 3 phase (which is always described in line to line or Y connected). So the current in the winding should be 120[KVA]/230[V] then multiplied by sqrt(3) to convert it to delta line current. Then I2 would be Is divided by sqrt(3) to get the phase current.)

This is where I am seeing that I should multiply sqrt(3) to get the delta line current. (exuding the a because I am not going from one transformer to the other)
View attachment 257931
The reason is, as you suggest, the same as for the voltages in the primary. If you look at the phase diagrams, you can see the relation.
1583140231161.png

So, looking only at magnitudes,
## V = V1 \cos {30} + V2 \cos {30} = V1 \sqrt 3 \, \text { or } V1 = \frac {V}{\sqrt3}##
Similarly ## I = I1 \cos {30} + I2 \cos {30} = I1 \sqrt 3 ##
 
  • Like
Likes thatsmessedup

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
988
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K