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Master'sEnergy and Networks Applications open

Master’s in FACTS Engineering and Power Flow Control

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in FACTS and power flow control engineering. 12 modules covering shunt and series compensation, UPFC and combined controllers, FACTS modelling, optimal power flow, oscillation damping, harmonics, protection, specification and applications with renewables, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse power flow control in alternating current networks.

02

Understand how shunt and series compensators work.

03

Model FACTS devices at different levels of detail.

04

Optimise the placement and tuning of FACTS devices.

05

Design oscillation damping controllers.

06

Assess the power quality associated with FACTS.

07

Specify FACTS devices for real projects.

Profile

Who it's for

  • FACTS engineers.
  • Network studies engineers.
  • Power system control specialists.
  • Commissioning engineers.
  • Renewable integration consultants.
  • Power quality engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to move into power transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEEE 1031 (functional specification of SVCs)
  • IEC 61954 (testing of thyristor valves for SVC)
  • IEEE 1534 (testing of thyristor valves for TCSC)
  • IEEE 519 (harmonic control)
  • IEC 61000-3-6 (harmonic emission limits for MV, HV and EHV)
  • IEC 60143 (series capacitors)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG) (requirements for generators)
  • REE Operating Procedure 12.2 (Spanish connection requirements)
  • DIgSILENT PowerFactory
  • PSCAD/EMTDC
  • PSS/E
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • RTDS
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Power transfer equations
  2. 1.2Parameters that control power flow
  3. 1.3Loop and parallel flows
  4. 1.4Congestion in the transmission network
  5. 1.5Classical control methods
  6. 1.6The need for dynamic compensation
  7. 1.7The family of FACTS devices
  8. 1.8Comparison with grid reinforcement
  9. 1.9Applications in Europe
  10. 1.10Case study: loop flows in a meshed network
  1. 2.1Fixed compensation with reactors and capacitors
  2. 2.2SVC: TCR and TSC
  3. 2.3SVC control
  4. 2.4STATCOM: operating principle
  5. 2.5MMC-based STATCOM
  6. 2.6SVC and STATCOM compared
  7. 2.7Dynamic voltage support
  8. 2.8Modern synchronous condensers
  9. 2.9Selection and sizing
  10. 2.10Laboratory: simulation of an SVC response to a voltage dip
  1. 3.1Fixed series capacitors
  2. 3.2Subsynchronous resonance in turbines
  3. 3.3TCSC: operation and modes
  4. 3.4GTO and TSSC
  5. 3.5Converter-based SSSC
  6. 3.6Protection of series capacitors
  7. 3.7Oscillation damping
  8. 3.8Applications on long lines
  9. 3.9Effect on distance protection
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: subsynchronous resonance study with series compensation
  1. 4.1UPFC: structure and control
  2. 4.2IPFC between lines
  3. 4.3Modular power flow controllers
  4. 4.4Controlled phase-shifting transformers
  5. 4.5Distributed power flow devices
  6. 4.6Smart wires and modular solutions
  7. 4.7Comparison of technologies
  8. 4.8Costs and maturity
  9. 4.9Reference projects
  10. 4.10Case study: selecting a controller for cross-border congestion
  1. 5.1Load flow models
  2. 5.2Power injection models
  3. 5.3RMS dynamic models
  4. 5.4Detailed EMT models
  5. 5.5IEEE and WECC generic models
  6. 5.6Model validation
  7. 5.7Control parameters
  8. 5.8Model exchange
  9. 5.9Limitations of each level
  10. 5.10Laboratory: STATCOM model in PowerFactory
  1. 6.1OPF formulation with control devices
  2. 6.2Optimal placement of FACTS
  3. 6.3Sensitivity indices
  4. 6.4Metaheuristic placement algorithms
  5. 6.5Coordination of multiple devices
  6. 6.6Congestion relief
  7. 6.7Loss reduction
  8. 6.8Economic value of power flow control
  9. 6.9Implementation in control centres
  10. 6.10Practical exercise: optimal placement of a TCSC with OPF
  1. 7.1Improving transient stability
  2. 7.2Damping of inter-area oscillations
  3. 7.3POD damping controllers
  4. 7.4Controller design with modal analysis
  5. 7.5Voltage stability
  6. 7.6Coordination with PSS
  7. 7.7Wide-area signals
  8. 7.8Controller robustness
  9. 7.9Real-time testing
  10. 7.10Laboratory: design of a POD controller
  1. 8.1Harmonics generated by FACTS
  2. 8.2Passive filters for FACTS
  3. 8.3Harmonic interaction with the network
  4. 8.4Parallel resonances with the network
  5. 8.5Flicker and its mitigation
  6. 8.6Emission limits
  7. 8.7Harmonic measurement
  8. 8.8Impact assessment
  9. 8.9Filter design
  10. 8.10Practical exercise: filter design for an SVC
  1. 9.1Protection of FACTS devices
  2. 9.2Influence on line protection
  3. 9.3Protection of series capacitors
  4. 9.4Bypass and MOV arresters
  5. 9.5Insulation coordination
  6. 9.6Internal and external faults
  7. 9.7Recovery strategies
  8. 9.8Protection testing
  9. 9.9Event recording
  10. 9.10Workshop: protection coordination for a compensated line
  1. 10.1Functional specification of FACTS
  2. 10.2Preliminary system studies
  3. 10.3Component selection
  4. 10.4Thyristor valves
  5. 10.5Cooling and buildings
  6. 10.6Type and routine tests
  7. 10.7Commissioning
  8. 10.8Operation and maintenance
  9. 10.9Availability and reliability
  10. 10.10Case study: specification of a 300 MVAr STATCOM
  1. 11.1FACTS in wind and solar plants
  2. 11.2Compliance with connection requirements
  3. 11.3Support for weak grids
  4. 11.4Synchronous condensers for inertia
  5. 11.5STATCOM with storage
  6. 11.6Coordinated control with inverters
  7. 11.7Hybrid plants with compensation
  8. 11.8Connection studies
  9. 11.9Cases of networks with high penetration
  10. 11.10Practical exercise: dynamic compensation of a solar plant on a weak grid
  1. 12.1Identification of the network problem
  2. 12.2Selection of FACTS technology
  3. 12.3Device modelling
  4. 12.4Static and dynamic studies
  5. 12.5Control design
  6. 12.6Harmonic analysis
  7. 12.7Economic assessment of the device
  8. 12.8Conclusions and future work
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
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 can be combined with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Work is based on real procedures for optimal FACTS placement studies, oscillation damping simulations and harmonic analysis of compensators. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: IEEE 1031, IEC 61954, IEEE 1534, IEEE 519, IEC 61000-3-6, IEC 60143, Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG), REE Operating Procedure 12.2.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of IEEE 1031, IEC 61954 and IEEE 1534 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete FACTS project, from identifying the network problem and modelling the device to control design, harmonic analysis and economic assessment, defended before a panel.
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.

Identify the network problem
Analyse loop flows and congestion to define the need for control.
Model the device
Build a STATCOM or SVC model in PowerFactory and simulate its response.
Optimise placement
Find the optimal location of a TCSC using OPF.
Design damping and filters
Design a POD controller and the harmonic filters for the device.
Master's Thesis
Present the complete FACTS solution with its economic assessment, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

FACTS engineerNetwork studies engineerPower system control specialistCommissioning engineerRenewable integration consultantPower quality engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • 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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 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, PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, MATLAB/Simulink and RTDS, 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 Master's Thesis. 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 in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), 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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