Diploma in Harmonics, Flicker and THD
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in harmonics, flicker and THD. 8 modules covering power quality, harmonic analysis, THD and TDD, harmonic sources, effects and resonances, flicker and voltage fluctuations and power quality measurement and monitoring, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Identify power quality disturbances and their origin.
Analyse harmonics using FFT in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7.
Calculate THD, TDD and power factor under non-sinusoidal conditions.
Assess compliance with IEEE 519 and IEC 61000-3.
Detect harmonic resonances in installations with capacitors.
Measure and assess flicker with the Pst and Plt indices.
Plan measurement campaigns and propose corrective measures.
Who it's for
- Power quality engineers.
- Distribution network engineers at utilities and network operators.
- Electrical installation engineers.
- Energy efficiency consultants.
- Electrical studies engineers.
- Electrical maintenance technicians dealing with distortion-related faults.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter electricity distribution.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 519-2022 (harmonic control in electric power systems)
- IEC 61000-4-7 (harmonics and interharmonics measurement and instrumentation)
- IEC 61000-4-30 (power quality measurement methods)
- EN 50160 (voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public networks)
- IEC 61000-4-15 (flickermeter — functional and design specifications)
- IEC 61000-3-2 (limits for harmonic current emissions, equipment input current up to 16 A per phase)
- IEC 61000-3-12 (limits for harmonic currents, equipment input current above 16 A and up to 75 A per phase)
- IEEE 1459-2010 (definitions for the measurement of electric power quantities under non-sinusoidal conditions)
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- ETAP Harmonic Analysis
- PSCAD
- MATLAB
- Dranview
8 modules
1.1Voltage waveform disturbances1.2Dips, swells and interruptions1.3Slow voltage variations1.4Three-phase voltage unbalance1.5Harmonics and interharmonics1.6Voltage fluctuations and flicker1.7Voltage characteristics according to EN 501601.8Responsibilities of the network operator and the user1.9Economic cost of poor power quality1.10Case study: power quality diagnosis in an industrial building
2.1Fourier series and spectral decomposition2.2Discrete transform and FFT2.3Windows and spectral leakage2.4Harmonic grouping according to IEC 61000-4-72.5Positive, negative and zero-sequence harmonics2.6Interharmonics and supraharmonics2.7Power under non-sinusoidal conditions according to IEEE 14592.8Displacement and total power factor2.9Current versus voltage distortion2.10Practical exercise: spectral analysis of a rectifier current
3.1Definition of voltage and current THD3.2Total demand distortion (TDD)3.3Transformer K-factor3.4Crest factor and its meaning3.5IEEE 519 limits at the point of connection3.6Emission limits of IEC 61000-3-2 and 3-123.7Assessment at the point of common coupling3.895th percentile statistical indices3.9Interpreting distortion reports3.10Workshop: IEEE 519 compliance assessment
4.1Six- and twelve-pulse rectifiers4.2Variable frequency drives4.3Single-phase switched-mode power supplies4.4LED lighting and electronic ballasts4.5Arc and induction furnaces4.6Photovoltaic inverters and chargers4.7Transformer saturation4.8Aggregated non-linear loads4.9Harmonic source models in simulation4.10Lab: measuring the harmonic emission of a drive
5.1Heating of transformers and cables5.2Neutral overload from triplen harmonics5.3Series and parallel resonance with capacitors5.4Nuisance tripping of protection devices5.5Errors in meters and measuring equipment5.6Interference in control systems5.7Ageing of capacitors and motors5.8Frequency scans and impedance analysis5.9Harmonic penetration studies5.10Case study: resonance with a capacitor bank
6.1Visual perception and the flicker curve6.2Flickermeter according to IEC 61000-4-156.3Pst and Plt indices6.4Fluctuating loads such as welders and furnaces6.5Emission limits of IEC 61000-3-3 and 3-116.6Flicker propagation in the network6.7Assessment of short-circuit power6.8Mitigation with static compensators6.9Flicker in renewable generation6.10Practical exercise: calculating the Pst of a fluctuating load
7.1Class A analysers according to IEC 61000-4-307.2Instrument transformers and their frequency response7.3Measurement campaigns and their duration7.4Time aggregation of data7.5Permanent network monitoring7.6Synchronisation and event time-stamping7.7Managing and analysing large data volumes7.8Writing technical reports7.9Uncertainty in harmonic measurement7.10Lab: measurement campaign with a class A analyser
8.1Description of the installation and loads8.2Measurement campaign plan8.3Harmonic and THD analysis8.4Flicker assessment8.5Resonance study8.6Comparison with regulatory limits8.7Proposal of corrective measures8.8Economic assessment of the measures8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP Harmonic Analysis, PSCAD, MATLAB and Dranview, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for measurement campaigns with class A analysers, harmonic penetration studies in industrial plants and flicker assessment for the connection of fluctuating loads. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: IEEE 519-2022, IEC 61000-4-7, IEC 61000-4-30, EN 50160, IEC 61000-4-15, IEC 61000-3-2, IEC 61000-3-12, IEEE 1459-2010.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running 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.
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 DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP Harmonic Analysis, PSCAD, MATLAB and Dranview, 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 programme 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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