The three-phase system was independently invented by Galileo Ferraris, Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky and Nikola Tesla in the late 1880s.
Three-phase electric power is a common method of alternating-current electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.

In electrical engineering, single-phase electric power refers to the distribution of alternating current electric power using a system in which all the voltages of the supply vary in unison. Single-phase distribution is used when loads are mostly lighting and heating, with few large electric motors. A single-phase supply connected to an alternating current electric motor does not produce a revolving magnetic field; single-phase motors need additional circuits for starting, and such motors are uncommon above 10 or 20 kW in rating.

In contrast, in a three-phase system, the currents in each conductor reach their peak instantaneous values sequentially, not simultaneously; in each cycle of the power frequency, first one, then the second, then the third current reaches its maximum value. The waveforms of the three supply conductors are offset from one another in time (delayed in phase) by one-third of their period. When the three phases are connected to windings around the interior of a motor stator, they produce a revolving magnetic field; such motors are self-starting.

Standard frequencies of single-phase power systems are either 50 or 60 Hz. Special single-phase traction power networks may operate at 16.67 Hz or other frequencies to power electric railways.

In some countries such as the United States, single phase is commonly divided in half to create split-phase electric power for household appliances and lighting


Part of the Electronics glossary:


 


In electronic signaling, phase is a definition of the position of a point in time (instant) on a waveform cycle. A complete cycle is defined as 360 degrees of phase as shown in Illustration A below. Phase can also be an expression of relative displacement between or among waves having the same frequency .

Phase difference , also called phase angle , in degrees is conventionally defined as a number greater than -180, and less than or equal to +180. Leading phase refers to a wave that occurs "ahead" of another wave of the same frequency. Lagging phase refers to a wave that occurs "behind" another wave of the same frequency. When two signals differ in phase by -90 or +90 degrees, they are said to be in phase quadrature . When two waves differ in phase by 180 degrees (-180 is technically the same as +180), the waves are said to be in phase opposition . Illustration B shows two waves that are in phase quadrature. The wave depicted by the dashed line leads the wave represented by the solid line by 90 degrees.

phase.gif (2316 bytes)

If the picture above doesn't show go here:
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/phase

Before I forget...
What I asked this forum thread was...
If I combine two transformer secondary's together and put a resistor and a capacitor to slow them up... for a another combined transformer secondary... and then a third. Would I have a 3 phases to operate a 3 phase motor...

I am thinking to myself ( Yes )... but I am waiting for the electronic experts ( that show up occasionally ) to tell me how...

All the best

@RandyFL No, thanks for the refresher. Taking a second look, or third, Figuera's commutator does provide what would be the equivalent of rectified two phase. Well that's good to know. lol

As for your question, are you trying to run a 3 phase motor to do work? I'm sure you could offset the phases a number of ways, but the only thing I've ever seen is an off-the-shelf variable speed drive... if you're daring, I've heard about the rotoverter that runs from 120 volt http://peswiki.com/index.php/OS:Rotoverter

Thanks RandyFL... After seeing you guys talking about 90 degree phases, I think I was wrong about the phase lagging in the coils, but why 90 degrees? I thought the two primary coils were in antiphase.. fill me in?

Antijon,

You are partially right: We need two signals so that when one is at maximun the other is at minimun. This is , as you said, antiphase (180º).

But we also need those signals to be always positive (at least that is what Figuera used in his 1908 patent)

With two 90º degrees out of phase signals, later we can rectify each one (using 2 diode bridges) in order to obtain the two opposite and positive signals required. (see image below)

Anyway, it is not bad to give a try also to two 180º out phase signals (although they are postive and negative = pole reversal), and see the results. These 180º signals can be obtained with just a center tapped transformer (as seen in this link: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/hsehld.html )

Randy;
I did find this though. i think it is much cheaper than the first. as i said a cap takes the phase 90* out....hope this helps

Just remember those cap ratings are per HP so each additional HP will need more uf for start and run.(this is a must) no exceptions.

And here is pages 13 - 29 Please read !

Clemente Figuera explain in a detail variation on this patent. Hope that it will help you to understand this Figuera Generator guys. I know that a lot of you are confuse on the patent which Sr. Figuera has filed, this patent will explain the patent which Figuera lack in explaining on his patent. This one is the same with the device which the Coils are rotated.

The second picture will explained how to wound the coil which is in Series that project the Two Magnetic Pole like a PMotion Holder look, which is pretty the same to me. Just look carefully on the winding direction- like bending a straight iron core into a U shape core.

Just ask question if you still dont understand the patent. We should discuss this devices so we can share and understand deeper the principle behind on this Generator.


Enjoy..