Three phase electricity allows power to be transmitted more efficiently because three live wires do the same job as three pairs of wires (6 wires) of the same size to transmit the same amount of power in single-phase. So 3-phase needs half the amount of wire.
That is because with 3-phase the AC in the wires is timed so that the three wires act as each other's return wire, you don't need return wires.
That is important for transmitting large amounts of power.
CommentAlthough a three-phase system is more economical than a corresponding single-phase system, the amount of copper saved is around 75% -not 50%.
For a given load, a three-phase system requires around 75% of the volume of copper required by a corresponding single-phase system and, so, is more economical. A three-phase supply also delivers power more or less continuously, whereas a single-phase supply delivers power in pulses. Finally, three-phase motors are self-starting and physically smaller than single-phase machines of the same power rating.
Over all losses are less in three phase AC system compared to 1 phase. For a given load (KW) 1 phase system would draw more current
For a given load, a three-phase system uses less volume of copper (therefore is more economical) than a corresponding single-phase system, while supplying approximately-constant power. From the users' point of view, three-phase motors are self-starting and more compact than the equivalent single-phase motor.
Polyphase systems are used because they allow the efficient transmission of electric power, in terms of power transmitted per kilogram of wire. Polyphase systems with more than three phases are very uncommon.
In a three-phase system, the voltage is measured between any two of the three phase conductors. The voltage between two phases in a 3-phase system is higher at 440v compared to a single-phase system where the voltage is measured between one phase and a neutral wire, resulting in 230v. The higher voltage in three-phase systems allows for more power to be transmitted efficiently over long distances.
A 208 v three-phase system has 120 v between each live wire and the neutral. It is used in the USA as an alternative to the 120/240 v single-phase system, offering 50% more power for the same current.
Your question asked "Which is the cheaper to run?" For a residence, since you only pay for the energy you consume, then it will make no difference whatsoever which system is installed. However, it is more expensive to install a three-phase system.
Delta system requires only three primary conductors compared to the star system, which requires four conductors. Delta system provides a higher line voltage compared to star system for the same phase voltage levels. Delta system does not require a neutral wire, making it more cost-effective in certain applications where neutral wiring is not needed.
3 phase system has more power than a single phase system
In general, a 3-phase system can be more efficient and cost-effective for running larger split system refrigerated air conditioners compared to a single-phase system. This is because 3-phase systems can handle higher loads more efficiently, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced operational costs. However, the initial installation cost may be higher for 3-phase systems, so the overall savings depend on the specific application and usage. For smaller units, a single-phase system may be sufficient and more economical.
Not necessarily.
A transmission system is that part of the electricity supply system that transfers bulk energy, at very high voltages, from centres of generation (often located in remote locations) to centres of load (e.g. large towns). From that point onwards, it is known as the distribution system, which operates at voltages below transmission-level voltages.All transmission/distribution systems operate are three-phase systems because, for a given load, a three-phase system uses less copper than single phase, and is therefore more economical.