Postgraduate Diploma in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems. 8 modules covering Real Decreto 738/2015 (generation in non-peninsular territories), Reglamento (UE) 2016/631 (RfG grid code) and PSS/E. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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
Characterise the low inertia and challenges of isolated systems.
Design primary and secondary frequency control schemes.
Manage voltage and reactive power in weak networks.
Assess the contribution of grid-forming converters to stability.
Schedule dispatch with reserve and security constraints.
Define load shedding schemes and resilience plans.
Evaluate interconnection alternatives and long-term planning.
Who it's for
- Isolated systems operations engineer who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Frequency stability analyst who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Dispatch engineer who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Grid-forming converter specialist who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Island systems planner who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Protection engineer who wants to specialise in Operation and Stability of Isolated Systems.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter island electrical systems.
What you'll work with
- Real Decreto 738/2015 (generation in non-peninsular territories)
- Reglamento (UE) 2016/631 (RfG network code)
- IEEE 2030.7-2017 (microgrid controllers)
- IEC TS 62898-2 (microgrid operation and control)
- EN 50160 (voltage characteristics of electricity supplied)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Typologies: islands, remote systems and microgrids1.2Low inertia and frequency sensitivity1.3Base thermal generation and its limits1.4Renewable penetration in small systems1.5Island demand profiles1.6N-1 security criteria in small systems1.7Regulation of non-peninsular systems in Spain1.8Supply quality indicators1.9International experiences: Hawaii, the Canary Islands and El Hierro1.10Workshop: characterisation of an island system
2.1Frequency dynamics and the swing equation2.2System inertia and RoCoF2.3Primary regulation of thermal units2.4Under-frequency load shedding schemes2.5Fast response with batteries2.6Flywheels and synchronous condensers2.7Synthetic inertia from converters2.8Limits of instantaneous renewable penetration2.9Reserve coordination2.10Practice: simulation of a unit trip in an isolated system
3.1Voltage control in weak networks3.2Short-circuit ratio and network strength3.3Reactive power contribution from inverters3.4Static compensators and STATCOM3.5Transformers with tap changers3.6Voltage stability in small systems3.7Voltage dips and renewable behaviour3.8Coordination of regulators3.9Power quality and harmonics3.10Laboratory: voltage stability study in PowerFactory
4.1Principles of grid-forming control4.2Droop control and virtual synchronous machine4.3Virtual oscillator control4.4Current limitation and fault behaviour4.5Parallel operation of converters4.6Emerging grid-forming requirements in Europe4.7Operation at 100 % renewable4.8Validation through EMT simulation4.9Real-world experiences in microgrids4.10Laboratory: grid-forming inverter model in Simulink
5.1Economic Dispatch with Security Constraints5.2Unit Commitment in isolated systems5.3Spinning reserve and its cost5.4Integration of Renewable Forecasts5.5Storage Dispatch5.6Pumped Hydro: The Case of Gorona of the Wind5.7Renewable curtailment and its minimisation5.8Multi-Timescale Dispatch5.9Dispatch Optimization Tools5.10Case study: Unit Commitment of an Island with high renewable penetration
6.1Reduced fault currents from converters6.2Adapting overcurrent protection6.3Differential and distance protection6.4Adaptive protection schemes6.5Service restoration after a blackout6.6Black start with storage6.7System defence plans6.8Resilience to climate events6.9Analysis of real incidents6.10Practice: restoration plan for an island system
7.1Submarine interconnections between islands7.2HVAC versus HVDC links7.3Impact of interconnection on stability7.4Long-term generation planning7.5Reliability studies and LOLE7.6Long-duration storage7.7Planning island transmission networks7.8Decarbonisation roadmaps7.9Economic evaluation of alternatives7.10Case study: analysis of an interconnection between islands
8.1Characterisation of the target system8.2Renewable penetration scenario8.3Frequency stability studies8.4Voltage control studies8.5Dispatch and storage strategy8.6Protection and restoration scheme8.7Technical and economic evaluation8.8Recommendations and roadmap8.9Report 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 intake, which allows them to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PLEXOS, HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The exercises are based on real procedures for frequency stability studies following loss of units, dispatch simulation with high renewable penetration, and load shedding analysis. 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.
Characterise the low inertia and challenges of isolated systems.
Design primary and secondary frequency control schemes.
Manage voltage and reactive power in weak networks.
Assess the contribution of grid-forming converters to stability.
Schedule dispatch with reserve and security constraints.
Where this takes you
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.
- Sufficient Spanish 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.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PLEXOS, HOMER Pro, MATLAB/Simulink. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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