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Postgraduate DiplomaEnergy and Networks Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling and HVDC System Dynamics

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in EMT modelling and HVDC system dynamics, structured in 8 modules covering HVDC technology, EMT modelling of converters, HVDC control, DC faults and protection, system dynamics, multi-terminal systems and grid code studies, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Compare LCC and VSC HVDC technologies and their applications.

02

Build EMT models of modular multilevel converters.

03

Design power and DC voltage control strategies.

04

Analyse DC faults and the operation of DC circuit breakers.

05

Assess the influence of HVDC links on AC system dynamics.

06

Describe control coordination in multi-terminal systems.

07

Verify compliance with the HVDC grid code through studies.

Profile

Who it's for

  • HVDC systems engineers.
  • EMT modelling specialists working on MMC converters.
  • Transmission network studies engineers.
  • DC protection engineers.
  • HVDC converter control engineers.
  • Consultants on electrical interconnections.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to move into electricity transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
  • IEC 62747 (terminology for VSC HVDC systems)
  • IEC 60633 (HVDC transmission terminology)
  • IEC TR 60919-1 (performance of LCC HVDC systems)
  • IEC 62751-1 (power losses in VSC valves for HVDC)
  • IEC 60700-1 (thyristor valves for HVDC)
  • PSCAD/EMTDC
  • RTDS (RSCAD)
  • EMTP
  • PSS/E
  • DIgSILENT PowerFactory
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Advantages of direct current transmission
  2. 1.2Break-even distance compared with HVAC
  3. 1.3LCC HVDC with thyristors
  4. 1.4VSC HVDC with modular multilevel converters
  5. 1.5Monopolar, bipolar and back-to-back configurations
  6. 1.6XLPE and mass-impregnated HVDC cables
  7. 1.7Converter stations: components
  8. 1.8Reference projects: INELFE and subsea links
  9. 1.9Trends: multi-terminal grids
  10. 1.10Workshop: technology comparison for a 2 GW link
  1. 2.1MMC model levels according to CIGRE
  2. 2.2Detailed submodule model
  3. 2.3Thévenin equivalent model
  4. 2.4Arm-averaged model
  5. 2.5Modelling LCC converters
  6. 2.6Valves, reactors and transformers
  7. 2.7Cable modelling with frequency-dependent parameters
  8. 2.8CIGRE B4 benchmark models
  9. 2.9Integration time step and efficiency
  10. 2.10Laboratory: averaged MMC model in PSCAD
  1. 3.1Control hierarchy of a link
  2. 3.2Inner current control
  3. 3.3Circulating current control in MMC
  4. 3.4Capacitor voltage balancing
  5. 3.5Active power and DC voltage control
  6. 3.6Reactive power and AC voltage control
  7. 3.7Master-slave control and DC droop
  8. 3.8Grid-forming control in HVDC
  9. 3.9Oscillation damping control
  10. 3.10Laboratory: control of a point-to-point VSC link
  1. 4.1Faults on the DC side
  2. 4.2MMC behaviour under DC faults
  3. 4.3Full-bridge submodules
  4. 4.4DC circuit breakers: types
  5. 4.5DC line and cable protection
  6. 4.6Faults on the AC side
  7. 4.7Commutation failures in LCC
  8. 4.8DC insulation coordination
  9. 4.9Overvoltage studies
  10. 4.10Practical exercise: simulation of a pole-to-ground fault
  1. 5.1HVDC-AC grid interaction
  2. 5.2Frequency support from HVDC
  3. 5.3Damping of inter-area oscillations
  4. 5.4Stability with weak grids
  5. 5.5Control interactions and resonances
  6. 5.6Subsynchronous oscillations
  7. 5.7Connection of offshore wind farms
  8. 5.8RMS models for stability studies
  9. 5.9RMS versus EMT validation
  10. 5.10Case study: interaction of an HVDC link with an offshore wind farm
  1. 6.1Multi-terminal HVDC grid architectures
  2. 6.2Distributed DC voltage control
  3. 6.3Load flow in DC grids
  4. 6.4Protection of multi-terminal grids
  5. 6.5Interoperability between manufacturers
  6. 6.6North Sea offshore grid project
  7. 6.7Standards and specifications under development
  8. 6.8Case studies from China
  9. 6.9Technical and regulatory challenges
  10. 6.10Laboratory: AC/DC load flow of a three-terminal grid
  1. 7.1Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 on HVDC requirements
  2. 7.2Link specification studies
  3. 7.3Grid integration studies
  4. 7.4Harmonic and filter studies
  5. 7.5Real-time simulation and control replicas
  6. 7.6Control testing with HIL
  7. 7.7Commissioning of links
  8. 7.8Operating experience
  9. 7.9Availability and reliability
  10. 7.10Case study: requirements of an HVDC link under the grid code
  1. 8.1Definition of the link and its function
  2. 8.2Technology and configuration selection
  3. 8.3EMT modelling of the system
  4. 8.4Control strategy design
  5. 8.5Fault and protection study
  6. 8.6Dynamic interaction studies
  7. 8.7Validation of results
  8. 8.8Technical conclusions
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), EMTP, PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: simulating DC faults in point-to-point and multi-terminal links, real-time AC/DC interaction studies and validating MMC converter controls. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2016/1447; IEC 62747; IEC 60633; IEC TR 60919-1; IEC 62751-1; IEC 60700-1.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulation (EU) 2016/1447, IEC 62747 and IEC 60633 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), EMTP, PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:an HVDC link project, from technology selection and EMT modelling to control strategy, fault studies and validation of results, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

Link definition and technology
Define the link, its function and select the technology and configuration.
EMT system model
Build the EMT model of the converters, cables and connected AC grid.
Control strategy design
Design the power, DC voltage and AC support control strategy.
Fault and dynamic studies
Study DC and AC faults, protection and dynamic interactions with the grid.
Final project
Deliver the complete HVDC link project with validated results and technical conclusions, reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

HVDC systems engineerMMC EMT modelling specialistTransmission network studies engineerDC protection engineerHVDC converter control engineerElectrical interconnections consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS (RSCAD), EMTP, PSS/E and DIgSILENT PowerFactory, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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