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CourseEnergy and Networks Enrolment open

HVDC Transmission Protection Testing Course

Online 300-hour course in HVDC transmission protection testing. 6 modules covering IEC 61975 (system tests for HVDC installations), IEEE 1378 (commissioning of HVDC converter stations) and PSCAD/EMTDC. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the architecture of LCC and VSC HVDC links and their protection zones.

02

Analyse the behaviour of DC and AC faults in converter stations.

03

Select and set line, converter and filter protection functions.

04

Model HVDC systems in EMT environments to generate test scenarios.

05

Design hardware-in-the-loop and factory test plans.

06

Carry out and interpret field commissioning tests.

07

Document test results in line with standardised acceptance criteria.

Profile

Who it's for

  • HVDC protection engineer looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • Power systems test engineer looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • EMT simulation specialist looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • Commissioning engineer for converter stations looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • Control and protection technician looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • Electrical transmission consultant looking to specialise in HVDC transmission protection testing.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter electricity transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61975 (system tests for HVDC installations)
  • IEEE 1378 (commissioning of HVDC converter stations)
  • IEC 60255 (measuring relays and protection equipment)
  • IEC 62747 (VSC converter terminology for HVDC)
  • IEC 60633 (HVDC transmission terminology)
  • IEC 61850 (substation communications)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1LCC and VSC technologies compared
  2. 1.2Monopolar, bipolar and symmetric configurations
  3. 1.3Modular multilevel converters MMC
  4. 1.4XLPE cables and overhead DC lines
  5. 1.5Hybrid and mechanical DC breakers
  6. 1.6Protection zones in converter stations
  7. 1.7Redundant control and protection systems
  8. 1.8Pole-to-earth and pole-to-pole DC faults
  9. 1.9AC/DC interaction and commutation failures
  10. 1.10Case study: analysis of the INELFE Spain-France link
  1. 2.1DC line differential protection
  2. 2.2Travelling wave protection
  3. 2.3Voltage and current derivative protection
  4. 2.4Valve and arm overcurrent protection
  5. 2.5Neutral imbalance protection
  6. 2.6Converter transformer protection
  7. 2.7AC and DC filter protection
  8. 2.8Faults in the metallic return
  9. 2.9Selectivity in multi-terminal HVDC networks
  10. 2.10Workshop: protection matrix of a VSC station
  1. 3.1EMT models of MMC converters
  2. 3.2Detailed models versus average models
  3. 3.3PSCAD/EMTDC and EMTP environments
  4. 3.4Cables with frequency-dependent parameters
  5. 3.5Generating fault scenarios
  6. 3.6Integration step and numerical stability
  7. 3.7Model validation with field records
  8. 3.8CIGRE B4 reference systems
  9. 3.9Exporting cases to real time
  10. 3.10Laboratory: pole-to-earth fault in PSCAD
  1. 4.1Real-time simulation with RTDS and OPAL-RT
  2. 4.2Hardware-in-the-loop for control and protection
  3. 4.3Factory System Test with replicas
  4. 4.4Dynamic operational tests
  5. 4.5Secondary injection with test equipment
  6. 4.6Interoperability between manufacturers
  7. 4.7Recording and analysis of oscillographs
  8. 4.8Test acceptance criteria
  9. 4.9Non-conformity management
  10. 4.10Practical: HIL test plan for differential protection
  1. 5.1Subsystem tests at the station
  2. 5.2Energisation of transformers and filters
  3. 5.3Valve blocking and deblocking tests
  4. 5.4Stepped power transfer
  5. 5.5Field-induced fault tests
  6. 5.6DC trip and reclose tests
  7. 5.7Verification of communications between stations
  8. 5.8Isolation and electrical safety
  9. 5.9Commissioning and as-built documentation
  10. 5.10Case study: commissioning test protocol
  1. 6.1Definition of the link and scope
  2. 6.2Selection of protection functions
  3. 6.3EMT model of the study system
  4. 6.4Fault scenarios and test cases
  5. 6.5Settings and tripping criteria
  6. 6.6Simulation results and discussion
  7. 6.7Factory and field test plan
  8. 6.8Test risk analysis
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to fit study around work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), OPAL-RT HYPERSIM, EMTP, MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied through real procedures for simulating DC faults in EMT models, hardware-in-the-loop tests of protection controllers, and commissioning protocols for converter stations. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with careers in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Definition of the link and scope

Understand the architecture of LCC and VSC HVDC links and their protection zones.

Selection of protection functions

Analyse the behaviour of DC and AC faults in converter stations.

EMT model of the study system

Select and set line, converter and filter protection functions.

Fault scenarios and test cases

Model HVDC systems in EMT environments to generate test scenarios.

Settings and tripping criteria

Design hardware-in-the-loop and factory test plans.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

HVDC protection engineerPower systems test engineerEMT simulation specialistCommissioning engineer for converter stationsControl and protection technicianElectrical transmission consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.

The programme works with PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), OPAL-RT HYPERSIM, EMTP, MATLAB/Simulink. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute's own diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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