Electrical Generation

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zamanengineer001 Associate Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 26	Electrical Generation 09/24/2011 2:25 AM
	Why is electrical generation is in three phase? Why not we use single or 2,4,5.... phases for electrical generation....?
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KeepItSimpleStupid Power-User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 267 Good Answers: 7	#1 Re: electrical generation 09/24/2011 2:50 AM
	Simple answer. It allows for rotary motion without anything heroic. e.g. 3 phase motor 1. A single phase motor of substantial horsepower requires a start winding 2. Two phase was available a long time ago. 3. The minimum number of phases spaced 120 degrees apart which will always cause rotation in a 3 phase motor. It's just not practical to say have a 100 HP single phase motor. Single phase is usually used for residential in the US although 3 phase is available in some locations. What's delivered to the home in the US is really split-phase. The primary is high voltage single phase amd the secondary is a 240 V center-tapped transformer with the center tap at ground.
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zamanengineer001 Associate Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 26	#2 In reply to #1 Re: electrical generation 09/24/2011 4:47 AM
	then why not we use 4- phase/ 5 / 6 phases.......?
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zamanengineer001 Associate Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 26	#3 Re: electrical generation 09/24/2011 4:50 AM
	Then why not we use 4, 5 or 6 phases.........?
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 32175 Good Answers: 839	#5 In reply to #3 Re: electrical generation 09/26/2011 9:31 AM
	1. It's not economic. 2. Electricity is supplied in 3 phases. One couldn't connect a six-phase motor even if one were to become available. __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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KeepItSimpleStupid Power-User Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 267 Good Answers: 7	#4 Re: electrical generation 09/24/2011 5:14 AM
	It costs too much: Two phase doesn't work very well. Ever try putting 6 conductors on a pole? or a motor with 6 windings? See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_phase_power
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