In a three-phase system, the relationship between line current and phase current depends on the type of connection used: wye (star) or delta. Here, I'll focus on the delta connection.
### Delta Connection
In a delta connection (Ξ), each phase of the load is connected in a triangular (delta) configuration. Hereβs how the line current and phase current relate to each other:
1. **Phase Current (I<sub>p</sub>):** This is the current flowing through each of the individual windings or phases of the load.
2. **Line Current (I<sub>L</sub>):** This is the current flowing through each line (or conductor) connecting the power source to the load.
#### Relationship Between Line Current and Phase Current
In a delta-connected load:
- The line current (I<sub>L</sub>) is β3 times the phase current (I<sub>p</sub>).
Mathematically, this relationship is expressed as:
\[ I_L = \sqrt{3} \times I_p \]
#### Why This Relationship Exists
To understand why this is the case, consider the following:
1. **Delta Configuration:** In a delta connection, each line connects to a node where two phases of the load are connected. Therefore, the current flowing through each line is the result of the combined effect of the currents through the two connected phases.
2. **Vector Sum of Currents:** The line current is actually the vector sum of the phase currents at each node. Because the phase currents are 120 degrees out of phase with each other (in a balanced three-phase system), their vector sum results in a line current that is β3 times the magnitude of the phase current.
Hereβs a more detailed explanation:
- **Current Distribution:** In a delta connection, the current flowing through each line is the sum of the phase currents flowing through the two windings connected by that line. For a balanced system:
\[ I_L = I_a - I_b \]
where \(I_a\) and \(I_b\) are the phase currents flowing through the windings connected by that line. The magnitude of this resultant current is β3 times the magnitude of the phase current.
- **Vector Analysis:** Since the phase currents are 120 degrees apart, the resultant line current can be found by vector addition. When you perform this addition, the magnitude of the line current comes out to be β3 times the magnitude of the phase current.
### Summary
- **Delta Connection:** In a balanced delta connection, the line current is β3 times the phase current.
- **Formula:** \( I_L = \sqrt{3} \times I_p \)
Understanding this relationship is crucial for analyzing and designing three-phase systems, ensuring proper sizing of conductors, and managing load distribution effectively.