Three-Phase Power

Electrical Engineering

How It Works

Three-phase electric power consists of three balanced sinusoidal alternating voltages of identical frequency and peak amplitude, offset symmetrically in phase by 120 degrees (2π/3 radians). This geometric distribution enables rotating magnetic fields in polyphase motors and guarantees that the sum of instantaneous power across all three balanced phases remains strictly constant over time, preventing torque pulsations and minimizing conductor mass in high-voltage electrical grid transmission.

Governing Equation
v_A(t) = V_m cos(ω t),   v_B(t) = V_m cos(ω t - 120°),   v_C(t) = V_m cos(ω t + 120°)   |   P_total(t) = 3 · V_rms · I_rms