In a three-phase system, the relationship between line voltage and phase voltage in a delta (Ξ) connection is crucial for understanding how electrical power is distributed and utilized in such systems.
### Delta Connection Overview
In a delta (Ξ) connection, each phase of the load or generator is connected in a loop, forming a triangle-like shape. This configuration is often used in three-phase electrical systems because it offers a balance between power delivery and simplicity.
### Line Voltage and Phase Voltage
1. **Line Voltage (V_L):** This is the voltage measured between any two lines (or phases) in the three-phase system. In a delta connection, the line voltage is the voltage across the terminals of the delta-connected load.
2. **Phase Voltage (V_Ph):** This is the voltage measured across each individual phase of the load or generator. In a delta connection, the phase voltage is the voltage across each side of the delta.
### Relationship in Delta Connection
In a delta connection, the relationship between line voltage (V_L) and phase voltage (V_Ph) is given by:
\[ V_L = \sqrt{3} \times V_Ph \]
#### Derivation:
1. **Voltage Phasors:** In a delta connection, the phase voltage is the voltage across each of the three phases. Each of these phase voltages is the same as the voltage drop across each leg of the delta.
2. **Line Voltage Calculation:** To find the line voltage, we look at the voltage between two lines, which is the sum of the phase voltages connected in series with a 120-degree phase shift between them. Mathematically, this is represented as:
\[ V_L = \sqrt{V_Ph^2 + V_Ph^2 + 2 \cdot V_Ph \cdot V_Ph \cdot \cos(120^\circ)} \]
Since \(\cos(120^\circ) = -\frac{1}{2}\), this simplifies to:
\[ V_L = \sqrt{V_Ph^2 + V_Ph^2 - V_Ph^2} \]
\[ V_L = \sqrt{3 \cdot V_Ph^2} \]
\[ V_L = \sqrt{3} \cdot V_Ph \]
### Practical Implications
- **Power Distribution:** In a delta connection, each phase carries the same current, but the voltage across each phase is lower than the line-to-line voltage. This allows for a more balanced load distribution across the phases.
- **Voltage Conversion:** The delta connection is often used for high voltage systems because it provides a higher line voltage while keeping the phase voltage lower. Conversely, the star (Y) connection is used when a lower line voltage is needed but higher phase voltages.
In summary, in a delta-connected system, the line voltage is β3 times the phase voltage. This relationship is fundamental in designing and analyzing three-phase electrical systems.