In electrical engineering, particularly in three-phase systems, the relationship between current and voltage in star (Y) and delta (Δ) connections is crucial for understanding how these configurations affect power distribution and load sharing. Here’s a detailed explanation of these relationships:
### Star Connection (Y-Connection)
In a star connection, the three phases are connected to a common neutral point. The key relationships in a star connection are:
1. **Line Voltage (V_L) and Phase Voltage (V_Ph):**
- The line voltage is the voltage measured between any two of the three phase lines.
- The phase voltage is the voltage measured across each phase winding and the neutral point.
- The relationship is:
\[ V_L = \sqrt{3} \times V_Ph \]
2. **Line Current (I_L) and Phase Current (I_Ph):**
- The line current is the current flowing through each of the three phase lines.
- The phase current is the current flowing through each phase winding.
- In a star connection, the line current is equal to the phase current:
\[ I_L = I_Ph \]
### Delta Connection (Δ-Connection)
In a delta connection, the three phases are connected in a loop, forming a triangle. The key relationships in a delta connection are:
1. **Line Voltage (V_L) and Phase Voltage (V_Ph):**
- In a delta connection, the phase voltage is the voltage across each winding.
- The line voltage is the voltage measured between any two of the three phase lines.
- The relationship is:
\[ V_L = V_Ph \]
2. **Line Current (I_L) and Phase Current (I_Ph):**
- The line current is the current flowing through each of the three phase lines.
- The phase current is the current flowing through each winding of the delta.
- The relationship is:
\[ I_L = \sqrt{3} \times I_Ph \]
### Conversion Between Star and Delta
When converting between star and delta connections, the relationships for voltage and current change due to the different ways the windings are configured. This is often used in transformer connections and motor starters. Here are the conversion formulas:
1. **Star to Delta Conversion:**
- Phase Voltage in Delta (V_Ph,Δ) = Phase Voltage in Star (V_Ph,Y)
- Phase Current in Delta (I_Ph,Δ) = \(\frac{I_Ph,Y}{\sqrt{3}}\)
2. **Delta to Star Conversion:**
- Phase Voltage in Star (V_Ph,Y) = \(\frac{V_Ph,Δ}{\sqrt{3}}\)
- Phase Current in Star (I_Ph,Y) = \(\sqrt{3} \times I_Ph,Δ\)
### Summary
- **Star Connection:**
- Line Voltage = \(\sqrt{3}\) × Phase Voltage
- Line Current = Phase Current
- **Delta Connection:**
- Line Voltage = Phase Voltage
- Line Current = \(\sqrt{3}\) × Phase Current
Understanding these relationships helps in designing and analyzing three-phase systems, ensuring that the voltage and current are correctly managed for efficient power distribution and load balancing.