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Key Takeaways

  1. The star system is a commonly used electrical configuration connecting three-phase AC power sources and loads.
  2. The delta system is another standard configuration for three-phase AC power distribution,
  3. The star system is used in domestic and commercial applications. It may be less efficient for long-distance power transmission, while the delta system is preferred for high-power industrial applications and long-distance power transmission due to its efficiency.

What is Star System?

The star system, also known as the Wye system, is a commonly used electrical configuration for connecting three-phase AC power sources and loads. In this system, three voltage sources or phases are connected at a central point, forming a star-like shape. Each end of the phase is connected to a load, which can be resistive or inductive.

One of the key advantages of the star system is its ease of use in electrical distribution. It allows for a neutral connection at the center point, which can be beneficial for loads that require a neutral reference.

The voltage in a star system is measured between any of the phases and the neutral point. It has certain limitations, as it could be better for high-power industrial applications where balanced loads are essential.

What is Delta System?

The delta system, also known as the delta, is another standard configuration for three phases of AC power distribution. In this system, the three phases form a triangle or delta shape, with each phase directly connected to the next.

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One of the primary advantages of the delta system is its ability to handle unbalanced loads more effectively than the star system. This makes it well-suited for industrial applications where the load on each phase may vary significantly. The delta system is also known for its efficiency in transmitting power over long distances.

In the delta system, the voltage between phases is the same as the phase-to-phase voltage. One of the drawbacks of the delta system is that it lacks a neutral point. This can be a disadvantage for loads that require a neutral reference.

Difference Between Star and Delta system

  1. In a star system, three phases are connected at a central point, resembling a star shape, while in a delta system, the three phases form a closed loop for triangle configuration.
  2. In a star system, the voltage is measured between any one of the phases and the neutral point, while in a delta system, the voltage is measured directly between two phases.
  3. The star system best suits balanced loads where all phases draw similar power. In contrast, the delta system is more effective at handling unbalanced loads where power distribution among phases varies.
  4. The star system is used in domestic and commercial applications. It may be less efficient for long-distance power transmission, while the delta system is preferred for high-power industrial applications and long-distance power transmission due to its efficiency.
  5. The star system is more straightforward to set up and maintain, making it a safer choice for many applications. In contrast, the delta system requires additional grounding for a neutral point, potentially introducing complexity and safety concerns.
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Comparison Between Star and Delta system

ParametersStar SystemDelta System
Connection ConfigurationPhases are connected at a central pointPhases form a closed-loop
Voltage MeasurementMeasured between any one of the phasesMeasured directly between two phases
Balanced VS Unbalanced LoadsBest suited for balanced loadsMore effective at handling unbalanced loads
Efficiency and power transmissionLess efficient and used in domestic and commercial applicationsPreferred for high-power and long-distance power transmission
Complexity and safetyA safer choice for many applicationsRequires additional grounding
References
  1. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/5/1318
  2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8927165/
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By Piyush Yadav

Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.