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Postgraduate DiplomaEnergy and Networks Applications open

Postgraduate Diploma in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection

Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection. 8 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code), IEC 60633 (HVDC vocabulary) and PSCAD/EMTDC. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration800 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the technologies and configurations of HVDC links.

02

Analyse the operation of LCC converters.

03

Describe VSC and MMC converters and their modulation.

04

Design the control strategies of an HVDC link.

05

Analyse faults and protection schemes in HVDC systems.

06

Evaluate the interaction of the link with the AC network.

07

Assess the planning and economics of an HVDC project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • HVDC engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • Converter control engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • HVDC protection engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • Interconnection planning engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • EMT studies engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • Converter station commissioning engineer wishing to specialise in HVDC VSC/LCC Control and Protection.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter electricity transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
  • IEC 60633 (HVDC vocabulary)
  • IEC 62501 (VSC valves for HVDC)
  • IEC 60700-1 (thyristor valves for HVDC)
  • IEC 60919-1 (behaviour of LCC HVDC systems)
  • IEC 62747 (VSC converter terminology)
Syllabus

8 modules · 800 h

  1. 1.1Advantages of direct current transmission
  2. 1.2Monopolar, bipolar and back-to-back configurations
  3. 1.3Point-to-point and multi-terminal connections
  4. 1.4LCC and VSC converters
  5. 1.5Thyristor and IGBT valves
  6. 1.6Mass-impregnated and XLPE HVDC cables
  7. 1.7Overhead lines in HVDC
  8. 1.8Reference projects in Europe
  9. 1.9European HVDC Regulation 2016/1447
  10. 1.10Case study: LCC versus VSC comparison for a submarine link
  1. 2.1Six- and twelve-pulse Graetz bridge
  2. 2.2Firing and extinction angle
  3. 2.3Reactive power consumption and AC filters
  4. 2.4Commutation failures
  5. 2.5Current and extinction control
  6. 2.6Rectifier–inverter control characteristic
  7. 2.7Dependence on short-circuit power
  8. 2.8Power flow reversal
  9. 2.9Characteristic harmonics
  10. 2.10Laboratory: simulation of a twelve-pulse LCC link
  1. 3.1Modular multilevel converters (MMC)
  2. 3.2Half-bridge and full-bridge submodules
  3. 3.3Capacitor voltage balancing
  4. 3.4Circulating currents and their suppression
  5. 3.5Nearest level modulation
  6. 3.6Vector current control
  7. 3.7Active and reactive power control
  8. 3.8Grid-forming capability and black start
  9. 3.9Converter losses
  10. 3.10Practice: simulation of a low-level MMC
  1. 4.1DC voltage control
  2. 4.2Power and frequency control
  3. 4.3Droop control in multi-terminal systems
  4. 4.4Master–slave control
  5. 4.5Damping of power oscillations
  6. 4.6Frequency support between systems
  7. 4.7Control under AC network faults
  8. 4.8Control of links embedded in AC networks
  9. 4.9Coordination with the system operator
  10. 4.10Workshop: control design for a VSC link
  1. 5.1AC-side faults
  2. 5.2Pole-to-earth and pole-to-pole DC faults
  3. 5.3MMC half-bridge response to a DC fault
  4. 5.4DC circuit breakers for multi-terminal systems
  5. 5.5Cable protection schemes
  6. 5.6Converter protection
  7. 5.7DC fault detection and location
  8. 5.8Fault recovery
  9. 5.9Overvoltages and insulation coordination
  10. 5.10Laboratory: simulation of a pole-to-earth fault
  1. 6.1AC–DC interaction studies
  2. 6.2Subsynchronous oscillations
  3. 6.3Offshore wind integration via HVDC
  4. 6.4Meshed offshore DC grids
  5. 6.5HVDC network code requirements
  6. 6.6EMT studies and validation with the manufacturer
  7. 6.7Generic HVDC models
  8. 6.8Multi-vendor interoperability
  9. 6.9Commissioning tests
  10. 6.10Case study: integration of an offshore wind farm via VSC
  1. 7.1Break-even distance versus AC
  2. 7.2Cost of converters, cables and lines
  3. 7.3Losses and their valuation
  4. 7.4Link availability and reliability
  5. 7.5Maintenance of converter stations
  6. 7.6European interconnection planning
  7. 7.7Projects of common interest
  8. 7.8Cross-border cost allocation
  9. 7.9Supply chain risks
  10. 7.10Practice: economic analysis of an interconnection
  1. 8.1Link definition and requirements
  2. 8.2Technology and configuration selection
  3. 8.3Converter station design
  4. 8.4Control strategy
  5. 8.5Protection scheme
  6. 8.6Grid integration studies
  7. 8.7Economic assessment
  8. 8.8Execution plan
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training 100 % online 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 intake, which makes it possible to combine it with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, RTDS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The work is studied using real electromagnetic transient simulation procedures, fault analysis on HVDC links and integration studies in the AC network. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with experience 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, OT cybersecurity, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Link definition and requirements

Understand the technologies and configurations of HVDC links.

Technology and configuration selection

Analyse the operation of LCC converters.

Converter station design

Describe VSC and MMC converters and their modulation.

Control strategy

Design the control strategies of an HVDC link.

Protection scheme

Analyse faults and protection schemes in HVDC systems.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

HVDC EngineerConverter Control EngineerHVDC Protection EngineerInterconnection Planning EngineerEMT Studies EngineerConverter Station Commissioning Engineer
Admissions & scholarships

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's software.
  • A level of Spanish sufficient to follow technical regulatory texts.

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 consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

The programme uses PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and RTDS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training and not an official qualification issued by the Ministry.

Yes. Modules completed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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