Postgraduate Diploma in Protection of Microgrids and Connected Resources
Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in protection of microgrids and connected resources. 8 modules covering IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources), IEEE 2030.7-2017 (microgrid controllers) and ETAP. 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 resources connected to a microgrid and their operating modes.
Analyse the limited contribution of inverters to fault current.
Identify the protection problems specific to microgrids.
Design adaptive and differential protection schemes.
Implement islanding detection methods and smooth transition.
Define earthing and protection in direct current sections.
Validate the protection scheme through simulation and testing.
Who it's for
- Microgrid protection engineer who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Distributed generation specialist who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Commissioning engineer who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Power systems engineer who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Microgrid consultant who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Relay testing technician who wishes to specialise in protection of microgrids and connected resources.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter industrial microgrids.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources)
- IEEE 2030.7-2017 (microgrid controllers)
- IEC 60255-151 (overcurrent relays)
- IEC 60364-7-712 (photovoltaic installations)
- IEEE C37.2 (device function numbers for protective devices)
- UL 1741 (inverters for distributed resources)
- IEC 61850 (substation communications)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Definition and types of microgrids1.2Connected and islanded modes1.3Inverter-connected resources1.4Synchronous generation and storage1.5Common coupling point PCC1.6Standard IEEE 2030.7 and 2030.81.7IEEE 1547-2018 and its categories1.8Regulation (EU) 2016/631 RfG1.9Protection challenges in microgrids1.10Case study: analysis of a campus microgrid
2.1Current limitation of inverters2.2Negative-sequence contribution2.3Response in the first cycles2.4Modelling inverters under short circuit2.5Grid-following versus grid-forming2.6Comparison with synchronous machines2.7Standard IEC 60909 and its limitations2.8Generic WECC models2.9Variability according to operating point2.10Laboratory: fault simulation with inverters
3.1Loss of overcurrent sensitivity3.2Protection blinding3.3Nuisance tripping3.4False coordination between devices3.5Change of fault levels by mode3.6High-impedance faults3.7Reclosing and out-of-phase3.8Bidirectional power flow3.9Temporary overvoltages3.10Workshop: diagnosis of coordination failures
4.1Microgrid differential protection4.2Distance protection in low voltage4.3Negative-sequence directional protection4.4Voltage-based protection4.5Adaptive protection with setting groups4.6Communications and centralised protection4.7Travelling wave-based schemes4.8Protection with supporting storage4.9Comparison of schemes and costs4.10Practical: design of adaptive protection
5.1Intentional and unintentional islanding5.2Passive detection methods5.3Active methods: frequency shift5.4Non-detection zone NDZ5.5Transfer trip5.6Smooth transition to islanded mode5.7Resynchronisation and reconnection5.8Frequency and voltage settings5.9Testing according to IEEE 1547.15.10Laboratory: anti-islanding test
6.1Neutral earthing schemes in microgrids6.2Change of reference in islanded mode6.3Earthing transformers6.4Earth protection with inverters6.5Direct current microgrids6.6Solid-state breakers6.7DC battery and fuse protection6.8DC arcing6.9Personnel safety and indirect contact6.10Case study: microgrid earthing scheme
7.1Short-circuit studies by operating mode7.2Coordination with ETAP or PowerFactory7.3HIL testing of controllers7.4Protection test plan7.5Integration with the microgrid controller7.6Management of setting groups7.7Event analysis and improvement7.8Protection maintenance7.9Installation safety standards7.10Workshop: coordination study with PowerFactory
8.1Definition of the microgrid and modes8.2Modelling of resources and loads8.3Fault calculation in each mode8.4Selection of protection schemes8.5Settings and coordination8.6Islanding and reconnection strategy8.7Test plan and validation8.8Budget and risks8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, OMICRON Test Universe, RTDS (RSCAD), in free, academic or evaluation versions. The exercises are based on real coordination study procedures with limited inverter contribution, islanding detection tests, and validation of adaptive protection in hardware-in-the-loop. Assessment is continuous 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 resources connected to a microgrid and their operating modes.
Analyse the limited contribution of inverters to fault current.
Identify the protection problems specific to microgrids.
Design adaptive and differential protection schemes.
Implement islanding detection methods and smooth transition.
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 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 ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD/EMTDC, OMICRON Test Universe, RTDS (RSCAD). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM Institute 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 towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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