How can total power be computed in a balanced 3-phase system?

In a balanced 3-phase system, total power can be calculated using the formula P_total = √3 × V_LL × I_L × cos φ. This equation reflects several key concepts in electrical power systems.

Firstly, V_LL represents the line-to-line voltage in a three-phase system, while I_L is the line current. The factor of √3 arises from the relationship between line-to-line voltage and phase voltage, which is a unique feature of three-phase systems. When the power calculation takes into account the phase difference (φ) between the voltage and current, which is represented by the power factor cos φ, it ensures that only the true power is being calculated.

In essence, this formula encapsulates both the need for phase relationships and the efficiency of the system by accounting for the current and voltage relationships in a balanced load. Therefore, understanding this formula is critical for calculating power in practical applications of 3-phase systems.