Master’s in Converters for Grids and Renewables
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in power converters for grids and renewables, covering LCL filters, synchronisation and grid code compliance. 12 modules covering topologies, modelling, current control, grid-following and grid-forming control, PV and wind converters, power quality, protection, HIL implementation and plant integration, with an assigned technical tutor.
Master’s in Converters for Grids and Renewables — studying from Australia
Australia's energy sector is undergoing major transition, with significant growth in renewable generation, grid-scale storage and transmission upgrades. The National Electricity Market and the Wholesale Electricity Market in Western Australia are key frameworks shaping investment and operations. Engineers work on network planning, power system analysis, asset management and integration of distributed energy resources. Employers include network operators, generators, retailers, the Australian Energy Market Operator and engineering consultancies.
Fees for Australia: A$14,200 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Which Australian bodies and regulators cover energy and networks engineering?
Engineers Australia is the main professional body, and the Australian Energy Regulator and the Australian Energy Market Operator oversee the national electricity market. State network regulators also apply. SEIUM's private qualifications are not accredited by these bodies, so recognition is decided by employers or the regulator.
What energy and network careers in Australia could this training support?
Australia has electricity network operators, renewable energy developers, grid planners and utilities that employ engineers in these fields. Employers usually prioritise accredited qualifications, licensing and project experience. A SEIUM qualification may add to your profile, but its value depends on each employer.
Is the course workable with a job, and does employer funding exist?
Yes, the programmes are online and taught in English, so you can study from Australia without a student visa. Specialist courses are 300 hours, diplomas 800 and master's 1,900, with an assigned technical tutor and final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible, though it is arranged case by case.
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
Select converter topologies for grid applications.
Model converters in synchronous reference frames.
Design synchronisation and current control loops.
Implement grid-following and grid-forming strategies.
Verify compliance with RfG and NTS requirements.
Analyse harmonic interaction and stability with the grid.
Validate controllers through EMT and HIL simulation.
Who it's for
- Power electronics engineers working on grid-connected equipment.
- Converter control engineers.
- Renewable integration engineers in wind, solar or storage projects.
- Grid connection study engineers.
- Grid code certification engineers.
- Inverter R&D engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter inverter manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG) (network code on requirements for generators)
- IEC 62109-1 (safety of power converters for photovoltaic systems)
- IEC 61000-3-12 (limits for harmonic currents of equipment above 16 A)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed energy resources)
- IEC 61400-21-1 (power quality characteristics of wind turbines)
- IEC 61400-27-1 (electrical simulation models for wind power)
- UNE 217002 (anti-islanding tests for grid-connected inverters)
- IEC 62116 (islanding prevention test procedure for PV inverters)
- PLECS
- MATLAB/Simulink
- PSCAD/EMTDC
- DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- Typhoon HIL
12 modules
1.1Voltage-source rectifiers and inverters1.2Two-level and three-level NPC converters1.3Modular multilevel converters (MMC)1.4Back-to-back converters in wind power1.5Boost and interleaved DC-DC converters1.6SiC and GaN semiconductors in grid applications1.7L, LC and LCL filters1.8DC-link sizing1.9Topology selection by power rating1.10Case study: topology for a 3 MW inverter
2.1Averaged and switched models2.2Modelling in abc, αβ and dq frames2.3Small-signal models2.4Filter transfer functions2.5DC-link dynamics2.6Modelling the grid and its impedance2.7Simulation with PLECS and Simulink2.8EMT models in PSCAD2.9Model validation2.10Lab: averaged model of a three-phase inverter
3.1Phase-locked loops (PLL)3.2SRF-PLL and DSOGI-PLL3.3Current control in dq3.4Proportional-resonant controllers in the stationary frame3.5Predictive current control3.6Active damping of the LCL filter3.7Rejection of grid harmonics3.8Stability in weak grids3.9Digital implementation delays3.10Practical exercise: PR control with active damping
4.1Principles of grid-following control4.2Active and reactive power control4.3Frequency and voltage droop control4.4Virtual synchronous machine4.5Synchronising power control4.6Synthetic inertia and fast response4.7Comparison of strategies4.8Current limitation in grid-forming4.9Emerging system operator requirements4.10Lab: virtual synchronous machine in simulation
5.1Central, string and micro-inverters5.2MPPT tracking algorithms5.3DC-DC converters in photovoltaics5.4DC/AC ratio and clipping5.5Hybrid inverters with batteries5.6Protection and island detection5.7Leakage currents and insulation5.8European and CEC efficiency5.9Reliability of photovoltaic inverters5.10Practical exercise: incremental conductance MPPT
6.1Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)6.2Full converter with PMSG6.3Machine-side converter control6.4Grid-side converter control6.5Pitch angle control6.6Response to voltage dips6.7Damping of torsional oscillations6.8Medium-voltage converters6.9Requirements for offshore wind turbines6.10Case study: control of a full-converter wind turbine
7.1European RfG Regulation7.2Technical supervision standard (NTS)7.3Fault ride-through (FRT) capability7.4Reactive current injection7.5Voltage and power factor regulation7.6Frequency response: FSM and LFSM7.7Ramp rate control7.8Inertia and fast response7.9Certification of power generating modules7.10Workshop: verification of FRT requirements
8.1Harmonic and interharmonic emissions8.2Resonances between converters and the grid8.3Impedance and stability analysis8.4Generalised Nyquist criterion8.5Subsynchronous oscillations due to control interaction8.6Interaction between multiple converters8.7Active harmonic filtering8.8IEC 61000-3-12 limits8.9Resonance mitigation8.10Lab: impedance sweep of an inverter
9.1Short-circuit contribution of converters9.2Impact on grid protection9.3DC-side faults9.4DC circuit breakers9.5Overvoltage protection9.6Passive and active island detection9.7Coordination with the distribution network9.8Electrical safety according to IEC 621099.9Internal converter protection9.10Practical exercise: short-circuit study with inverters
10.1DSP and FPGA platforms for control10.2Voltage and current measurement10.3Gate driver design10.4Thermal design and cooling10.5Reliability and thermal cycling10.6Electromagnetic compatibility of the converter10.7HIL and PHIL testing10.8Mechanical design of the cabinet10.9Production and routine testing10.10Lab: HIL validation of an inverter controller
11.1Power plant controllers (PPC)11.2Coordination of multiple inverters11.3Hybrid plants with storage11.4Grid connection studies11.5WECC and IEC 61400-27 generic models11.6Field validation of models11.7Plant compliance testing11.8Microgrids and isolated systems11.9Trends towards 100% renewable grids11.10Case study: connection of a 50 MW plant
12.1Definition of the converter application12.2Specification of grid requirements12.3Topology selection12.4System modelling12.5Control design12.6Validation in simulation12.7HIL or experimental testing12.8Verification against grid codes12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it can be combined with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD/EMTDC, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Typhoon HIL, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for voltage dip testing, HIL validation of controllers and converter impedance sweeps. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG), IEC 62109-1, IEC 61000-3-12, IEEE 1547-2018, IEC 61400-21-1, IEC 61400-27-1, UNE 217002, IEC 62116.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
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 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD/EMTDC, DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Typhoon HIL, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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