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Master’s in HVDC Engineering and Multi-Terminal Links

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in HVDC and multi-terminal link engineering. 12 modules covering LCC and VSC/MMC technology, control of point-to-point links, DC cables, multi-terminal DC grids and their protection, offshore wind integration, EMT system studies and multi-vendor interoperability, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 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

Compare LCC and VSC technologies for specific applications.

02

Model modular multilevel converters.

03

Design control strategies for HVDC links.

04

Analyse the behaviour of multi-terminal DC grids.

05

Define protection schemes for DC systems.

06

Carry out HVDC integration studies within the power system.

07

Assess DC link projects technically and economically.

Profile

Who it's for

  • HVDC systems engineers.
  • Converter control engineers.
  • DC protection specialists.
  • Offshore network studies engineers.
  • HVDC commissioning engineers.
  • Interconnection consultants.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to move into power transmission.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
  • IEC 62501 (VSC valves for HVDC)
  • IEC 60700-1 (thyristor valves for HVDC)
  • IEC 62747 (terminology for VSC converters)
  • IEC TS 63291-1 (HVDC grids: general requirements)
  • IEC 60071-11 (insulation coordination for HVDC)
  • CIGRE TB 852 (testing of extruded HVDC cables)
  • IEC 61975 (HVDC system tests)
  • PSCAD/EMTDC
  • MATLAB/Simulink
  • DIgSILENT PowerFactory
  • RTDS
  • PLECS
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1History of HVDC transmission
  2. 1.2Advantages over alternating current
  3. 1.3Break-even distance for lines and cables
  4. 1.4Configurations: monopole, bipole and homopolar
  5. 1.5Ground, sea or metallic return
  6. 1.6Components of a converter station
  7. 1.7Reference projects worldwide
  8. 1.8Technology trends in HVDC
  9. 1.9HVDC supply chain
  10. 1.10Case study: AC versus DC over 200 km subsea
  1. 2.1Twelve-pulse Graetz bridge
  2. 2.2Firing and extinction angles
  3. 2.3Current and voltage control
  4. 2.4Commutation failures
  5. 2.5Reactive power requirements
  6. 2.6AC and DC harmonic filters
  7. 2.7Converter transformers and insulation
  8. 2.8Grid strength and SCR
  9. 2.9UHVDC applications
  10. 2.10Laboratory: simulation of an LCC link in PSCAD
  1. 3.1Two-level and three-level converters
  2. 3.2Modular multilevel converter
  3. 3.3Half-bridge and full-bridge submodules
  4. 3.4Capacitor voltage balancing
  5. 3.5Circulating current suppression
  6. 3.6Nearest level modulation
  7. 3.7Losses in MMC converters
  8. 3.8Black-start capability
  9. 3.9Support for weak grids
  10. 3.10Practical exercise: average model of an MMC in MATLAB/Simulink
  1. 4.1Active power control
  2. 4.2DC voltage control
  3. 4.3Reactive power and AC voltage control
  4. 4.4Grid-following and grid-forming control
  5. 4.5Current limits
  6. 4.6Operating modes
  7. 4.7Fault ride-through
  8. 4.8Oscillation damping
  9. 4.9Coordination with the system operator
  10. 4.10Laboratory: control of a point-to-point VSC link
  1. 5.1Mass-impregnated cables
  2. 5.2XLPE cables for DC
  3. 5.3Space charge and DC fields
  4. 5.4Submarine cables and laying
  5. 5.5DC overhead lines
  6. 5.6Land and sea electrodes
  7. 5.7Cable testing according to CIGRE
  8. 5.8Cable monitoring
  9. 5.9Repair of submarine cables
  10. 5.10Case study: cable for a 2 GW link
  1. 6.1Radial, ring and meshed topologies
  2. 6.2Master–slave voltage control
  3. 6.3DC voltage droop control
  4. 6.4Load flow in DC grids
  5. 6.5Stability of multi-terminal grids
  6. 6.6High-voltage DC-DC converters
  7. 6.7DC power flow controllers
  8. 6.8Interconnection of existing links
  9. 6.9Multi-terminal projects in service
  10. 6.10Laboratory: load flow in a four-terminal DC grid
  1. 7.1Characteristics of DC faults
  2. 7.2Fast fault detection
  3. 7.3Mechanical and hybrid DC circuit breakers
  4. 7.4Fault current limiters
  5. 7.5Fault clearing strategies
  6. 7.6Cable protection
  7. 7.7Converter protection
  8. 7.8Coordination of DC protection
  9. 7.9Testing of DC circuit breakers
  10. 7.10Practical exercise: protection strategy for a meshed DC grid
  1. 8.1Offshore wind farms and HVDC
  2. 8.2Offshore converter platforms
  3. 8.3The standardised 2 GW concept
  4. 8.4Control of wind farm grids
  5. 8.5Connection to energy islands
  6. 8.6Hybrid interconnection grids
  7. 8.7HVDC network code requirements
  8. 8.8Offshore planning in the North Sea
  9. 8.9Platform reliability
  10. 8.10Case study: HVDC export from a 1.5 GW wind farm
  1. 9.1Load flow and short-circuit studies
  2. 9.2RMS dynamic studies
  3. 9.3Detailed EMT simulation
  4. 9.4Harmonic interactions with the AC grid
  5. 9.5Resonances and control stability
  6. 9.6Converter–converter interaction
  7. 9.7Overvoltage studies
  8. 9.8Insulation coordination
  9. 9.9Validation with replica testing
  10. 9.10Laboratory: control interaction study with PSCAD
  1. 10.1Multi-vendor interoperability
  2. 10.2European interoperability projects
  3. 10.3Common functional specifications
  4. 10.4Black-box models and their exchange
  5. 10.5Control replica testing
  6. 10.6IEC standards for HVDC
  7. 10.7CIGRE technical brochures
  8. 10.8Cybersecurity of control systems
  9. 10.9Governance of multi-terminal grids
  10. 10.10Workshop: interface specification for a multi-vendor grid
  1. 11.1Converter station engineering
  2. 11.2Factory and site testing
  3. 11.3Commissioning
  4. 11.4Availability and reliability
  5. 11.5Valve maintenance
  6. 11.6Investment costs and losses
  7. 11.7Cost-benefit analysis of links
  8. 11.8Remuneration and regulation
  9. 11.9Project financing
  10. 11.10Case study: economic assessment of a multi-terminal link
  1. 12.1Definition of the case study
  2. 12.2Topology and technology selection
  3. 12.3Converter modelling
  4. 12.4Control design
  5. 12.5Protection strategy
  6. 12.6Integration studies
  7. 12.7Economic assessment of the link
  8. 12.8Conclusions and future work
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

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 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 and PLECS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Work is based on real procedures for EMT simulations of MMC converters, load flows in DC grids and multi-vendor control interaction studies. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: Regulation (EU) 2016/1447, IEC 62501, IEC 60700-1, IEC 62747, IEC TS 63291-1, IEC 60071-11, CIGRE TB 852, IEC 61975.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of Regulation (EU) 2016/1447, IEC 62501 and IEC 60700-1 applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, RTDS and PLECS, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete HVDC link or multi-terminal grid project, from topology selection and converter modelling to control, protection and economic assessment, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

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

Model the converter
Build an average MMC model in MATLAB/Simulink and an LCC link in PSCAD.
Design the link control
Implement the control of a point-to-point VSC link, including grid-forming modes.
Analyse the DC grid
Run load flow on a four-terminal DC grid and define its protection strategy.
Study system interaction
Carry out a control interaction study with PSCAD.
Master's Thesis
Present the full HVDC project with control, protection and economic assessment, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

HVDC systems engineerConverter control engineerDC protection specialistOffshore network studies engineerHVDC commissioning engineerInterconnection consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • 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.

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FAQ

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 PSCAD/EMTDC, MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, RTDS and PLECS, 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 programme 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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