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.
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.
What you will be able to do
Understand the architecture of LCC and VSC HVDC links and their protection zones.
Analyse the behaviour of DC and AC faults in converter stations.
Select and set line, converter and filter protection functions.
Model HVDC systems in EMT environments to generate test scenarios.
Design hardware-in-the-loop and factory test plans.
Carry out and interpret field commissioning tests.
Document test results in line with standardised acceptance criteria.
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.
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)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1LCC and VSC technologies compared1.2Monopolar, bipolar and symmetric configurations1.3Modular multilevel converters MMC1.4XLPE cables and overhead DC lines1.5Hybrid and mechanical DC breakers1.6Protection zones in converter stations1.7Redundant control and protection systems1.8Pole-to-earth and pole-to-pole DC faults1.9AC/DC interaction and commutation failures1.10Case study: analysis of the INELFE Spain-France link
2.1DC line differential protection2.2Travelling wave protection2.3Voltage and current derivative protection2.4Valve and arm overcurrent protection2.5Neutral imbalance protection2.6Converter transformer protection2.7AC and DC filter protection2.8Faults in the metallic return2.9Selectivity in multi-terminal HVDC networks2.10Workshop: protection matrix of a VSC station
3.1EMT models of MMC converters3.2Detailed models versus average models3.3PSCAD/EMTDC and EMTP environments3.4Cables with frequency-dependent parameters3.5Generating fault scenarios3.6Integration step and numerical stability3.7Model validation with field records3.8CIGRE B4 reference systems3.9Exporting cases to real time3.10Laboratory: pole-to-earth fault in PSCAD
4.1Real-time simulation with RTDS and OPAL-RT4.2Hardware-in-the-loop for control and protection4.3Factory System Test with replicas4.4Dynamic operational tests4.5Secondary injection with test equipment4.6Interoperability between manufacturers4.7Recording and analysis of oscillographs4.8Test acceptance criteria4.9Non-conformity management4.10Practical: HIL test plan for differential protection
5.1Subsystem tests at the station5.2Energisation of transformers and filters5.3Valve blocking and deblocking tests5.4Stepped power transfer5.5Field-induced fault tests5.6DC trip and reclose tests5.7Verification of communications between stations5.8Isolation and electrical safety5.9Commissioning and as-built documentation5.10Case study: commissioning test protocol
6.1Definition of the link and scope6.2Selection of protection functions6.3EMT model of the study system6.4Fault scenarios and test cases6.5Settings and tripping criteria6.6Simulation results and discussion6.7Factory and field test plan6.8Test risk analysis6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
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.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand the architecture of LCC and VSC HVDC links and their protection zones.
Analyse the behaviour of DC and AC faults in converter stations.
Select and set line, converter and filter protection functions.
Model HVDC systems in EMT environments to generate test scenarios.
Design hardware-in-the-loop and factory test plans.
Where this takes you
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.
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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