Postgraduate Diploma in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control. 8 modules covering IEEE 2800-2022 (inverter-based resources connected to transmission), Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG grid code) and PSCAD/EMTDC. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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
Explain the role of power electronics in low-inertia grids.
Differentiate between grid-following and grid-forming converters.
Implement droop, virtual machine and power synchronisation control strategies.
Model and analyse the stability of grid-forming plants.
Interpret the requirements of applicable grid codes.
Design the plant controller for active and reactive power.
Plan validation tests and field commissioning.
Who it's for
- Grid-forming control engineer seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- Plant controller engineer seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- Grid code compliance specialist seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- System stability engineer seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- Commissioning engineer for renewable plants seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- Inverter firmware developer seeking to specialise in Grid-Forming Systems and Plant Control.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter renewable generation.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 2800-2022 (inverter-based resources connected to transmission)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG grid code)
- Order TED/749/2020 (technical requirements for grid connection)
- IEC 61400-21-1 (electrical characteristics of wind turbines)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources)
- IEC 62116 (anti-islanding test)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Voltage source converters VSC1.2Two-level, NPC and MMC topologies1.3PWM modulation and LCL filters1.4Clarke and Park transformations1.5Vector control in dq axes1.6Synchronisation with PLL1.7Current and voltage limits1.8Low-inertia systems1.9Loss of grid strength SCR1.10Case study: instabilities in weak grids
2.1Current source versus voltage source2.2Limitations of grid-following control2.3The grid-forming concept2.4Synthetic inertia and fast response2.5Contribution to fault current2.6Black start capability2.7Stability in weak grids2.8Hornsdale and Dalrymple experiences2.9Technology status of manufacturers2.10Workshop: simulation comparison of both controls
3.1P-f and Q-V droop control3.2Virtual synchronous machine VSM3.3Power synchronisation control3.4Virtual oscillator control3.5DC matching control3.6Virtual impedance3.7Fault current limitation3.8Transitions between modes3.9Parameter tuning and robustness3.10Laboratory: implementing a VSM in Simulink
4.1Small-signal modelling4.2Modal analysis and participation factors4.3Control interactions between converters4.4Subsynchronous and harmonic resonances4.5Impedance criterion4.6EMT versus RMS models4.7WECC generic REGFM models4.8Model validation4.9Multi-converter interaction studies4.10Practice: impedance analysis with PSCAD
5.1RfG Regulation (EU) 2016/6315.2ENTSO-E specifications on grid-forming5.3NGESO requirements for stability5.4AEMO requirements in Australia5.5IEEE 2800-20225.6Conformity tests5.7Stability services and their remuneration5.8Operating procedures in Spain5.9Expected regulatory developments5.10Case study: verifying conformity with IEEE 2800
6.1PPC plant controller6.2Voltage and reactive power control at the PCC6.3Frequency and active power control6.4Coordination of multiple inverters6.5Storage integration6.6Ramps and power limitations6.7Communication with the system operator6.8Response times and latencies6.9Hybrid PV-battery plants6.10Laboratory: tuning a PPC in simulation
7.1HIL and CHIL testing7.2Real-time simulation with RTDS7.3Field testing and commissioning7.4Voltage dip FRT tests7.5Black start tests7.6Monitoring and event analysis7.7Firmware and settings updates7.8Islanded operation7.9Lessons from pilot projects7.10Workshop: test plan for a grid-forming plant
8.1Definition of the plant and grid8.2Selection of the control strategy8.3Plant modelling8.4Stability studies8.5Plant controller design8.6Verification of grid requirements8.7Test plan8.8Techno-economic analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Typhoon HIL, MATLAB/Simulink, RTDS (RSCAD), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for synthetic inertia and frequency response tests, hardware-in-the-loop plant controller tests, and robustness assessment in low short-circuit power networks. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the role of power electronics in low-inertia grids.
Differentiate between grid-following and grid-forming converters.
Implement droop, virtual machine and power synchronisation control strategies.
Model and analyse the stability of grid-forming plants.
Interpret the requirements of applicable grid codes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish level 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.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with PSCAD/EMTDC, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Typhoon HIL, MATLAB/Simulink, RTDS (RSCAD). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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