Phase Sequence Meter and Its Working

Principle
Phase sequence meter is used for detecting the sequence of the supply in three-phase electric
circuits. Since the direction of rotation of three phase electric motors can be changed by changing
the phase sequence of supply. And also the correct operation of measuring instruments like 3 phase
energy meter and automatic control of devices also depend on the phase sequence. Different types
of phase sequence testers are available in todays market like contact or non contact, static or
rotating, etc., in a wide range of voltage or power ratings.

What is Phase Sequence?

The sequence in which three phase voltages attain their positive maximum values is defined as the
phase sequence. It refers to the relation between the voltages or currents in three phase system.
Consider the three phases as red-R, yellow-Y and blue-B phases.

phase sequence in Three Phase System

The phase sequence can be taken as RYB if R attains its maximum value first with respect to the
reference in anti-clockwise direction followed by Y phase 120 later, and B phase 240 later than
the R phase.

The phase sequence can be taken as RBY if R followed by B phase is at 120 later and Y phase is
at 240 later than the R phase. RYB is considered as a positive sequence, whereas RBY is a
negative sequence supply, as shown in the figure.

What is a Phase Sequence Meter or Indicator and Its Working Principle?

The phase sequence meter is used for the detection of phase sequence in three phase circuits and
there are different types of phase sequence indicators that are as follows:
Types of Phase Sequence Indicators

Phase sequence indicators can be classified into two types:

(a) Rotating Type
(b) Static Type

Rotating Type Phase Sequence Indicators

Rotating Type Phase Sequence Indicators

It works on the principle of induction motors. The principle of rotating type phase sequence
indicator is similar to that of a three phase motor. Consider the working of a motor for a better
understanding of these indicators. For three phase motors, we require three phase power supply,
whereas this three phase power must be supplied in a particular sequence. Let us assume that the
three phase supply given to the motor has a phase sequence of RYB, then the motor will rotate in
clockwise direction and, if the phase sequence of supply is reversed, then the motor will rotate
in counter clockwise direction. This may cause severe problems to the load and entire system.

When a three phase supply is given to the coils, then the coils will produce a rotating magnetic
field, and this rotating magnetic field produces eddy EMF in the rotatable aluminum disc, as shown
in the diagram.

This eddy EMF produces eddy current on the aluminum disc, due to the interaction of the eddy
currents with the rotating magnetic field a torque is produced which causes the aluminum disc to
rotate. The clockwise direction rotation of the disc indicates the sequence as RYB, and the anti-
clockwise rotation of the disc indicates the change in phase sequence.

Static Type Phase Sequence Indicator

Static Type Phase Sequence Indicator with inductor

If the phase sequence is RYB, then the lamp B will glow brighter than the lamp A, and if phase
sequence is reversed then the lamp A will glow brighter than the lamp B, as shown below in the
lamp arrangement circuit diagram.

Now, let us see how this happens

Assume that the phase sequence is RYB, and consider the voltages as Vry, Vyb, Vbr as according
to the diagram, and we have

Vry=V

Vyb=V(-0.5-j0.866)

Vbr=V(-0.5+j0.866)

Here, assuming a balanced operation such that we have Vry=Vbr=Vyb=V. We know that the
algebraic sum of all phase currents is equal, then we can get the below equation.

Ir+Iy+Ib=0

From the above equations, we get the ratio of Ir and Iy as 0.27.

It indicates that the voltage at the lamp A is only 27 percent of the lamp B. So, from this, we can
observe that the lamp B will glow brighter than the lamp A in case of an RYB phase sequence.
While in case of a reversed phase sequence, the lamp A is brighter than the lamp B.

Similarly, from the above circuit by replacing the inductor with a capacitor, as shown in the below
figure, the indicator works similar to the above phase indicator.

Here two resistors are connected in series with the two Neon lamps to protect the lamps from over
current and breakdown voltages. If the three phase supply is in the sequence of RYB, then the
lamp A will be ON, and the lamp B will be off, and if the supply sequence is reversed, then the
lamp A will be off while the lamp B will be on.

Phase Sequence Checker

For a better understanding of this project, here we have designed a phase sequence checker project
to detect the phases of three phase supply. As we know that, if the three supply phase sequence is
changed or reversed then the loads like the three phase motors will operate in reverse direction
which may lead to permanent fault.

So, in order to detect the phase sequence, the three phase sequence checker is used which consists
of NAND and OR gates. If the sequence is proper, then the LEDs will run clockwise as they do
not receive triggering signal from the gates.
Block Diagram of Phase Sequence Checker

In this project, NAND and OR gates are placed in such a way that they produce a logic signal
which is further given to the microcontroller. If the sequence is changed, then the gates generate
the input signal to the microcontroller through a timer to drive the LEDs such that these indicate
the change in phase sequence by running clockwise for sometime and anticlockwise for sometime
after receiving the triggering signal. In this case, we can maintain continuous supply to critical
load by using auto selection of any phase available in three phase supply system.

This is about the phase sequence meter types and working with a practical implemented circuit.
You can know more about the given project by clicking the link attached to it. And write to us for
more information about the circuit and for any technical help in the comments section below.

https://www.edgefx.in/what-is-phase-sequence-meter-its-working-and-thier-types/