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Three-Phase Circuits

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Three-Phase Circuits

He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.

—G. Herbert

Enhancing Your Skills and Your Career

ABET EC 2000 criteria (3.e), “an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.”

Developing and enhancing your “ability to identify , formulate, and solve engineering problems” is a primary focus of te xtbook. Following our six-step problem-solving process is the best w ay to practice this skill. Our recommendation is that you use this process whene ver possible. You may be pleased to learn that this process w orks well for nonengineering courses.

ABET EC 2000 criteria (f), “an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.”

“An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility” is required of every engineer. To some e xtent, this understanding is v ery personal for each of us. Let us identify some pointers to help you de velop this understanding. One of my f avorite examples is that an engineer has the responsibility to answer what I call the “unasked question.” For instance, assume that you own a car that has a problem with the transmission. In the process of selling that car, the prospective buyer asks you if there is a problem in the right-front wheel bearing. You answer no. However, as an engineer, you are required to inform the buyer that there is a problem with the transmission without being asked.

Your responsibility both professionally and ethically is to perform in a manner that does not harm those around you and to whom you are responsible. Clearly, developing this capability will tak e time and ma turity on your part. I recommend practicing this by looking for profes sional and ethical components in your day-to-day activities.

Photo by Charles Alexander

Learning Objectives

By using the information and exercises in this chapter you will be able to:

    1. Understand balanced three-phase voltages.
    1. Analyze balanced wye-wye circuits.
    1. Understand and analyze balanced wye-delta circuits.
    1. Analyze balanced delta-delta circuits.
    1. Understand and analyze balanced delta-wye circuits.
    1. Explain and analyze power in balanced three-phase circuits.
    1. Analyze unbalanced three-phase circuits.