Why 3 Phase Power? Why not 6 or 12?

Summary

The video discusses the concept of multi-phase power transmission, exploring the potential of increasing the number of phases beyond the conventional three. It explains how rotating additional phase lines could theoretically enhance power transmission, ultimately leading to six or twelve-phase systems. Despite initial success in testing six-phase models, practical limitations arise due to increased complexity in substations, where more circuit breakers and bus bars would be needed. While the concept intrigues power educators, the economic viability for transmission companies remains a challenge, making high phase order systems more of a theoretical exploration than a practical solution.

Takeaways

• 🔌 High-phase order transmission lines, such as six-phase and twelve-phase systems, can theoretically increase power transmission without proportionally increasing voltage.
• 🔄 By rotating a three-phase transmission line, one can effectively create a six-phase line within the same spatial parameters.
• 📊 The mathematics supporting higher-phase systems shows potential for increased power capacity, but real-world applications face significant complexities.
• 🔬 A six-phase line can almost double the power transmission capacity of a three-phase system, while a twelve-phase system does not provide a similar increase.
• 💡 High-phase order transmission lines may be more useful for educational purposes than for practical implementation in transmission line companies.
• ⚙️ Implementing higher-phase systems increases the number of circuit breakers and bus bars required in substations, complicating their operation.
• 📉 The economic viability of high-phase order lines is questionable due to the increased complexity and infrastructure costs.
• 🌍 The concept raises intriguing questions for power engineers, but practical challenges may limit widespread adoption.
• 🧮 The speaker suggests that the mathematical modeling of high-phase order lines is feasible, presenting opportunities for further exploration.
• 🚀 The discussion encourages further investigation into the capabilities and implications of using high-phase order transmission lines in power systems.

Q & A

Why are three phases commonly used in power transmission instead of four or five?

Three phases provide a balance between efficiency and simplicity in electrical systems. The configuration allows for effective power transmission while minimizing complexity in substations.

What happens when a second three-phase line is added and rotated 60 degrees?

When a second three-phase line is added and rotated 60 degrees, it can fit inside the first line without increasing the diameter, effectively creating a six-phase system that can transmit almost double the power of a three-phase system.

What is the concept of 'high phase order' in power transmission?

High phase order refers to systems with more than three phases (such as six or twelve). It allows for potentially greater power transmission, but also increases complexity in terms of circuit breakers and bus bars.

Why does the increase in power transmission become less significant with higher phase orders?

The increase in power transmission is not linear; while six-phase systems almost double the capacity of three-phase systems, moving to twelve phases does not yield a proportional increase in capacity, resulting in diminishing returns.

What were the practical outcomes of testing a six-phase transmission line?

The six-phase transmission line was successfully built and tested, confirming the mathematical predictions regarding its performance and capacity.

What complications arise from using higher phase orders in substations?

Using higher phase orders requires additional circuit breakers and bus bars, complicating the infrastructure and potentially offsetting any economic advantages gained from increased power transmission.

Is it possible to convert higher phase orders down to three-phase systems?

Yes, it is relatively straightforward to couple a twelve-phase system through a transformer down to a three-phase system, making high phase orders theoretically feasible for certain applications.

What is the mathematical challenge mentioned regarding high phase order systems?

The mathematical challenge involves understanding the characteristics of an anisotropic tube that acts as a conductor longitudinally while being an insulator circumferentially, which can be complex but is theoretically solvable.

What role do power educators play concerning high phase order systems?

High phase order systems serve as an interesting concept for power educators, as they illustrate advanced principles of electrical engineering and power transmission, even if they are less practical for commercial use.

What is the significance of the Malta test site mentioned in the transcript?

The Malta test site was where practical experiments were conducted on the six-phase line, allowing for real-world validation of theoretical concepts in power transmission.