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CourseEnergy and Networks Applications open

Course in Digital Substations with IEC 61850

The Digital Substations with IEC 61850 Course offers comprehensive training in the implementation and management of digital systems in electrical substations. It focuses on the IEC 61850 standard, covering communication protocols, configuration of smart devices and system architecture. It includes practice in simulation, equipment configuration and troubleshooting, with an emphasis on the automation and protection of modern substations, linked to cybersecurity, remote monitoring and the integration of renewable energy. It focuses on analysing system functionality, its integration with energy control systems and the configuration of protection relays.

The course enables you to acquire skills in the design, implementation and maintenance of digital substations, using simulation and analysis tools, and laboratories with real equipment for hands-on experience. It prepares professionals for roles such as protection and control engineers, automation systems engineers and substation technicians, increasing their employability in the energy and electrical sector, in line with industry standards and current regulations. It focuses on the latest trends in substation automation and power transmission.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the digital substation architecture.

02

Interpret the data model and the SCL language.

03

Configure GOOSE and Sampled Values communications.

04

Design message-based protection and control schemes.

05

Apply time synchronisation and network redundancy.

06

Plan interoperability testing and commissioning.

07

Specify a complete digital substation.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Substation engineer looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • Protection and control engineer looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • IEC 61850 integrator looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • Testing and commissioning technician looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • Industrial communications engineer looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • Substation project manager looking to specialise in Digital Substations with IEC 61850.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter electricity transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEC 61850
  • IEC 61869-9
  • IEC 62439-3
  • IEC 61588
  • IEC 62351
  • IEC 60255
  • IEC 61850-90-4
  • IEEE C37.238
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Evolution of the conventional substation
  2. 1.2Station, bay and process levels
  3. 1.3Station bus and process bus
  4. 1.4Merging units and non-conventional transformers
  5. 1.5Smart circuit breakers
  6. 1.6Reduction of copper cabling
  7. 1.7Benefits and risks
  8. 1.8International pilot projects
  9. 1.9Lifecycle of a digital substation
  10. 1.10Case study: conventional versus digital comparison
  1. 2.1Structure of the IEC 61850 series
  2. 2.2Logical nodes and logical devices
  3. 2.3Common data classes
  4. 2.4SCL language
  5. 2.5ICD, IID, SCD and CID files
  6. 2.6ACSI services
  7. 2.7Mapping to MMS
  8. 2.8Extensions in Edition 2.1
  9. 2.9Modelling of protection functions
  10. 2.10Laboratory: editing an SCD file
  1. 3.1GOOSE messages
  2. 3.2Sampled Values IEC 61850-9-2
  3. 3.3IEC 61869-9 profile
  4. 3.4Priority and VLAN
  5. 3.5PTP IEEE 1588 synchronisation
  6. 3.6PRP and HSR redundancy
  7. 3.7Substation network architectures
  8. 3.8Performance and latency
  9. 3.9Traffic analysis
  10. 3.10Practical: capturing GOOSE messages
  1. 4.1Protection based on Sampled Values
  2. 4.2Interlocking via GOOSE
  3. 4.3Tripping and supervision
  4. 4.4Bay automation
  5. 4.5Fault recording
  6. 4.6Station-level control
  7. 4.7Gateways to SCADA
  8. 4.8Interoperability between manufacturers
  9. 4.9Testing of protection schemes
  10. 4.10Case study: GOOSE-based circuit breaker failure scheme
  1. 5.1Engineering process with SCL tools
  2. 5.2IED configuration
  3. 5.3FAT and SAT testing
  4. 5.4Digital injection equipment
  5. 5.5Interoperability testing
  6. 5.6Simulation and test isolation
  7. 5.7Configuration version management
  8. 5.8Maintenance and replacement of IEDs
  9. 5.9Training of technicians
  10. 5.10Workshop: test plan for a bay
  1. 6.1Substation specification
  2. 6.2Communications architecture
  3. 6.3SCL modelling
  4. 6.4Protection schemes
  5. 6.5Test plan
  6. 6.6Cost analysis
  7. 6.7Configuration of GOOSE and Sampled Values messages
  8. 6.8Design of synchronisation and redundancy
  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 Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Helinks STS, OMICRON StationScout, Wireshark, DIGSI 5, IEDScout, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work covers real procedures for editing and validating SCL files, capturing and analysing GOOSE messages, and the test plan for a digital bay. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with a track record in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, ciber-OT, 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.

Substation specification

Understand the digital substation architecture.

Communications architecture

Interpret the data model and the SCL language.

SCL modelling

Configure GOOSE and Sampled Values communications.

Protection schemes

Design message-based protection and control schemes.

Test plan

Apply time synchronisation and network redundancy.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Substation engineerProtection and control engineerIEC 61850 integratorTesting and commissioning technicianIndustrial communications engineerSubstation project manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

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

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 comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That works out to an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with Helinks STS, OMICRON StationScout, Wireshark, DIGSI 5 and IEDScout. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating 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 programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.

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