What is the difference between single phase and three phase power?
In simple terms single phase has 3 wires – 2 “hots” and a ground. Three phase has 4 wires – 3 “hots” and a ground. Our pellet machine can be applicable to different power design.
Single phase current is transmitted using one conductor wire “Hot” and returns to a “Neutral” wire. The single phase AC (Alternating Current) is mostly used for smaller power consuming and items that convert the AC power to DC power.
Note the “Neutral” wire is not the “Ground” wire. There will always be some potential between the “Neutral” wire and the “Ground” wire. The “Ground” wire was introduced in the 1970’s to help prevent the accidental malfunctioning helping and prevent accidental harm to humans. (If your old enough you might recollect touching the fridge and the stove and getting a little shock.)
Three phase current is transmitted along three “Hot” conductor and returns to the “Neutral” conductor. The current traveling along the conductor in a sin wave configuration and are approximately 120° out of phase. The use of the three phases help control the stability and transmit more power to the item that is going to consume the power. There are usually two configuration the “Delta” and “Wye”. I will not get in the specific configuration but each has their own purpose.
In some uncommon application the three phase alternating current is used for Syncos and Resolvers to help with positioning. Please let me know if there is any other specific information you would like.