Postgraduate Diploma in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR. 8 modules covering EN 50160 (voltage characteristics), IEEE 1547 (interconnection of distributed resources) and OpenDSS. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
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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.
What you will be able to do
Describe the characteristics of low and medium voltage networks.
Manage the measurement data available in distribution.
Apply state estimation algorithms in distribution networks.
Analyse the voltage problems associated with distributed generation.
Optimise Volt/VAR control with regulators, capacitors and inverters.
Integrate estimation and control in real time.
Evaluate results with real distribution network cases.
Who it's for
- Distribution network engineer wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- Smart meter data analyst wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- Voltage control engineer wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- LV and MV planning engineer wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- Smart grid specialist wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- Power quality engineer wishing to specialise in LV/MV State Estimation and Volt/VAR.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter electricity distribution.
What you'll work with
- EN 50160 (voltage characteristics)
- IEEE 1547 (interconnection of distributed resources)
- IEC 61968 (application integration in distribution)
- IEC 61000-4-30 (power quality measurement methods)
- UNE-EN 50549-1 (connection of generation to LV networks)
- Royal Decree 1955/2000 (quality of service)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Distribution network topologies1.2Unbalanced three-phase networks1.3Line modelling with impedance matrices1.4Distribution transformers and connections1.5Single-phase loads and imbalances1.6Real topology versus GIS topology1.7Customer–phase–transformer connectivity1.8Data available in distribution1.9Voltage quality regulation1.10Workshop: three-phase modelling of an LV network in OpenDSS
2.1Smart meters and data concentrators2.2Advanced monitoring of transformer substations2.3Data temporal resolution and latency2.4Pseudo-measurements from load profiles2.5Consumption forecasting as a pseudo-measurement2.6Smart meter data quality2.7Phase identification using data2.8Topology correction2.9Privacy of consumption data2.10Practice: customer phase identification using voltage correlation
3.1Differences from transmission-level estimation3.2Low observability and pseudo-measurements3.3Unbalanced three-phase estimation3.4Branch-current-based estimation3.5Weighting of pseudo-measurements3.6LV estimation with smart meter data3.7Robust estimators in distribution3.8Machine learning-based methods3.9Optimal meter placement3.10Laboratory: three-phase MV network estimator in Python
4.1Voltage issues with distributed generation4.2On-load tap changers4.3Line voltage regulators4.4Distribution transformers with on-load taps4.5Capacitor banks4.6Local control of Volt-VAR and Volt-Watt inverters4.7Control curves according to IEEE 15474.8Conservation voltage reduction (CVR)4.9Coordination between devices4.10Practice: tuning inverter Volt-VAR curves
5.1Formulation of the IVVO problem5.2Loss minimisation5.3Optimisation with discrete variables5.4MINLP programming and heuristics5.5Predictive voltage control5.6Estimator-based optimisation5.7Centralised versus distributed control5.8Voltage quality constraints5.9Evaluation of IVVO benefits5.10Laboratory: Volt/VAR optimisation of a feeder using OpenDSS
6.1ADMS execution cycle6.2Integration with distribution SCADA6.3Voltage alarm management6.4Visualisation for operators6.5Validation of setpoints before dispatch6.6Failure modes and degraded operation6.7Cyber security of setpoints6.8Real-time simulation testing6.9Commissioning6.10Case study: commissioning of an IVVO scheme
7.1Measurement and verification of savings7.2Voltage quality indicators7.3Analysis of CVR projects at utilities7.4Impact on hosting capacity7.5Comparison of strategies7.6Cost-benefit analysis7.7Scaling to the whole network7.8Regulatory aspects7.9Lessons learned7.10Practice: measurement and verification of a CVR pilot
8.1Selection of the study network8.2Three-phase modelling8.3Preparation of measurement data8.4Implementation of the state estimator8.5Voltage control design8.6Volt/VAR optimisation8.7Evaluation of results8.8Implementation plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenDSS, Python (pandapower), MATLAB, CYME, GridLAB-D, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real state estimation procedures with smart meter data, Volt/VAR control simulation, and real LV and MV network cases. Assessment is continuous, module by 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.
Describe the characteristics of low and medium voltage networks.
Manage the measurement data available in distribution.
Apply state estimation algorithms in distribution networks.
Analyse the voltage problems associated with distributed generation.
Optimise Volt/VAR control with regulators, capacitors and inverters.
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 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 comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with OpenDSS, Python (pandapower), MATLAB, CYME and GridLAB-D. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It 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 recognition policy when you enrol.
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