In a three-phase generator, how far apart are the coils?

In a three-phase generator, how far apart are the coils?

• A. 90 Degrees
• B. 150 Degrees
• C. 60 Degrees
• D. 120 Degrees

Answer: (D)

Coils in a three-phase generator are arranged around the stator so each phase is evenly spaced by 120 electrical degrees. This 120° separation makes the voltages produced in the three windings reach their peaks at equal intervals and stay 120° apart in phase, giving balanced, smooth three-phase power. The 120° spacing comes from dividing the full 360° electrical cycle by three phases, ensuring the phases are evenly offset. Other spacings would disrupt the standard three-phased phasing and lead to imbalance or more complex compensation, so 120 degrees is the correct spacing.

Coils in a three-phase generator are arranged around the stator so each phase is evenly spaced by 120 electrical degrees. This 120° separation makes the voltages produced in the three windings reach their peaks at equal intervals and stay 120° apart in phase, giving balanced, smooth three-phase power. The 120° spacing comes from dividing the full 360° electrical cycle by three phases, ensuring the phases are evenly offset. Other spacings would disrupt the standard three-phased phasing and lead to imbalance or more complex compensation, so 120 degrees is the correct spacing.