Electronic Power Systems- Tradeoffs Between Single-Phase and Three-Phase Power

Modern Electronic Systems are quite often powered from a three-phase power source. While utilizing power modules that operate directly from three-phase power might seem to provide optimal simplicity and flexibility, the added complexity required to realize three-phase power factor corrected circuitry usually negates any potential savings. This paper compares single-phase and three-phase circuits from the component count, stress level and complexity standpoints. It demonstrates that when these items are taken into account, quite often the best choice is a combination of single-phase modules, configured to balance individual power line phases.