3 Phase Power GenerationThere are several types of 3 phase power generators. These can vary from a utility power station, to a prime source power generator to portable diesel (and other fuels) 3 phase generator, to 3 phase generators which run on 1 phase power (some models of phase converters). At a utility power station, an electrical generator converts mechanical power into a set of alternating electric currents (AC), one from each electromagnetic coil or winding of the power generator. The currents are sinusoidal functions of time, all at the same frequency but with different phases. In a 3 phase system the phases are spaced equally, giving a phase separation of 120°. The frequency is typically 50 Hz in Europe and 60 Hz in the US (see List of countries with mains power plugs, voltages and frequencies). See Frequency Converters for changing 50 Hz to 60 Hz or the reverse of 60 Hz to 50 Hz frequency. Read more about 3 Phase Power Generation below.
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Industrial Standby / Towable 3 Phase Power GeneratorsIndustrial and towable 3 phase generators are designed and engineered for optimum performance and superior reliability. From the ultra quiet sound attenuated enclosures (64-71 dba) to the state-of-the-art electronics and controls, these 3 phase generator units are engineered to meet the most rugged conditions. Place the unit at the job site, connect the 3 phase load and start it up. These full-featured standby 3 phase generator units are specially suited for all industrial, commercial and rental applications. Generators can also be used with an automatic transfer switch for standby 3 phase applications. |  | |
Generators voltage output ranges from hundreds of volts to 30,000 volts. This can be from small portable 3 phase generators, 3 phase generating rotary converters, or utility power stations. At the power station, transformers step-up this voltage to one more suitable for transmission. Popular Generators Fuel Includes Propane & Diesel Generators3 phase power generators can be purchased to run on a variety of fuel types including two of the most popular: propane and diesel generators. Because of the common availability of propane, natural gas and diesel fuel, there are also a wide variety of generators built specifically to use these fuel types.
3 Phase Power Distribution and TransmissionAfter numerous further conversions in the transmission and distribution network the 3 phase power is finally transformed to the standard mains voltage (the voltage of "house" or "household" current in American English). The power may already have been split into single phase at this point or it may still be 3 phase. Where the step-down is 3 phase, the output of this transformer is usually star connected with the standard mains voltage (120V in North America and 230V in Europe) being the phase-neutral voltage. Another system commonly seen in the USA is to have a delta connected secondary on the step down transformer with a center tap on one of the windings supplying the ground and neutral. This allows for 240V 3 phase as well as three different single phase voltages (120V between two of the phases and the neutral, 208V between the third phase (sometimes known as a wild leg) and neutral and 240V between any two phases) to be made available from the same supply. Click here to read more about 3 phase distribution. The most common class of 3 phase load is the 3 phase electric motor. A 3 phase induction motor has a simple design, inherently high starting torque, and high efficiency. Such motors are applied in industry for 3 phase pumps, fans, blowers, compressors, conveyor drives, and many other types of motor-driven equipment. A 3 phase motor is more compact and less costly than a 1-phase motor of the same voltage class and rating; also 1-phase AC motors above 10 HP (7.5 kW) are not as efficient and thus not usually manufactured. Large air conditioning equipment (for example, most York air conditioning units above 2.5 tons (8.8 kW) cooling capacity) use 3 phase motors for reasons of economy and efficiency. Read more about 3 phase power loads here. 3 Phase Loads from 3 Phase Power Generated on 1 Phase Power There are many places and instances where 1 phase power is all that is available, or where the power company wants to charge tens, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to install and supply 3 phase power. When this is the case a quality 3 phase generating phase converter can be run on 1 phase to power 3 phase equipment of any type. Click here to read more about powering 3 phase loads with 3 phase power generated from 1 phase power. Additional 3 Phase Generator Information Sources: Continue And Read About Additional 3 Phase Power Details: | ||
3 Phase Generation and 3 Phase Generators
