Diploma in Series/Parallel Hybrids and Power Control
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in series/parallel hybrid systems and power control. 8 modules covering hybrid system topologies, power electronics, machines and generation, power management, converter and machine control, modelling and simulation, and integration and validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Series/Parallel Hybrids and Power Control — studying from South Africa
South Africa's coastline and ports make maritime engineering important, with the Port of Durban, the Port of Cape Town and the Port of Ngqura serving major trade flows. The South African Navy and Armscor support naval procurement, and shipbuilding and repair businesses operate along the coast. Offshore energy and marine services create additional demand, and the sports nautical sector serves recreational boating. The South African Maritime Safety Authority regulates shipping and marine safety.
Fees for South Africa: R 27 900 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any South African body. Marine and offshore work may involve bodies such as the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and ECSA for engineering registration. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by employers or the relevant body, so confirm this with them directly.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in naval and offshore industries?
Shipyards, offshore energy firms and marine design consultancies look mainly for certified competence, relevant experience and regulatory knowledge. A private qualification may complement these but will not replace formal certification. Its usefulness depends on each employer's assessment, so ask prospective employers how they would weigh it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You receive an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Confirm time-zone and workload expectations with SEIUM before committing.
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
Compare series and parallel hybrid topologies.
Select converters and electrical machines.
Design power management systems.
Control converters and DC buses.
Model and simulate complete hybrid systems.
Integrate and validate the system safely.
Assess the fuel consumption and emissions of the system.
Who it's for
- Hybrid systems engineers.
- Power electronics engineers.
- Control engineers.
- Energy management specialists.
- Commissioning engineers.
- Electrical integration engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter shipbuilding.
What you'll work with
- IEC 60092-507 (electrical installations in ships: small vessels)
- IEC 61800-5-1 (adjustable speed electrical power drive systems: safety requirements)
- ISO 6469-3 (electrically propelled road vehicles: electrical safety)
- IEC 62477-1 (safety requirements for power electronic converter systems)
- DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.6 Ch.2 (DNV class rules for propulsion, power generation and auxiliary systems)
- ISO 26262 (functional safety of road vehicles)
- IEC 61000-6-2 (electromagnetic compatibility: immunity for industrial environments)
- MATLAB/Simulink
- PLECS
- PSIM
- Typhoon HIL
8 modules
1.1Series configuration and power flow1.2Parallel configuration and mechanical coupling1.3Switchable series-parallel configurations1.4Hybrids in boats and vehicles1.5DC bus versus AC bus1.6Choosing a topology by usage profile1.7Electric, thermal and combined operating modes1.8Loss balance by mode1.9Relevant commercial examples1.10Case study: topology selection for a tug
2.1Active rectifiers for generators2.2Traction inverters2.3Bidirectional DC/DC converters for batteries2.4IGBT and SiC semiconductors2.5Pulse-width modulation2.6Filters and power quality2.7Converter losses and efficiency2.8Cooling of the electronics2.9Protection and coordination2.10Lab: simulation of a bidirectional converter
3.1Engine-driven synchronous generators3.2Permanent magnet motors for propulsion3.3Induction machines3.4Variable-speed combustion engines3.5Specific fuel consumption curves3.6Optimum operating point3.7Starting the generator from the battery3.8Dynamic response to load changes3.9Mechanical integration in parallel3.10Practical exercise: fuel consumption map of a generator set
4.1Power management systems (PMS)4.2Load sharing between sources4.3State of charge management4.4Rule-based strategies4.5Optimal ECMS strategies4.6Predictive control with a mission profile4.7Power limits and derating4.8Consumer priority4.9Response to source failures4.10Case study: management strategy for a hybrid ferry
5.1Vector control of machines5.2Bus voltage control5.3Droop control between sources5.4Battery current control5.5Synchronisation with shore power5.6DC bus stability5.7Tuning PI controllers5.8Digital implementation of control5.9Real-time simulation5.10Lab: voltage control of a DC bus
6.1Averaged converter models6.2Battery models for simulation6.3Engine and generator models6.4Simulating mission profiles6.5Validating strategies6.6Simulink and PLECS tools6.7Co-simulation with mechanical models6.8Sensitivity analysis6.9Results report6.10Practical exercise: simulation of a complete series system
7.1Physical integration of components7.2System electromagnetic compatibility7.3Electrical safety and insulation7.4Functional safety of the control7.5Bench and HIL testing7.6Commissioning7.7Classification or type-approval requirements7.8Maintenance of the hybrid system7.9Analysis of in-service failures7.10Case study: commissioning plan
8.1Defining the mission profile8.2Topology selection8.3Component sizing8.4Designing the management strategy8.5Control design8.6Simulating the complete system8.7Assessing fuel consumption and emissions8.8Project conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on SEIUM's campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, PSIM and Typhoon HIL, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Real procedures are studied, including simulation of series and parallel systems with mission profiles, design of power management strategies and HIL testing of DC bus control. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final capstone project.
Standards covered: IEC 60092-507, IEC 61800-5-1, ISO 6469-3, IEC 62477-1, DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.6 Ch.2, ISO 26262, IEC 61000-6-2.
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
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, PSIM 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 final project. 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 are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), 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.
Related programmes
Diploma in Gas Carriers and the IGF/IGC Codes
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in gas carriers and the IGF/IGC Codes. 8 modules covering liquefied gas behaviour, the IGC Code and gas carrier design,…
Postgraduate Diploma in PEM/Naval Balance of Plant Integration
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in PEM/Naval Balance of Plant Integration. 8 modules covering MSC.1/Circ.1647 (interim guidelines for fuel cells on board), IGF Code and MATLAB/Simulink. Assigned…
Postgraduate Diploma in Evaluation of Facilities and Security Plans
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Evaluation of Facilities and Security Plans. 8 modules covering the PBIP/ISPS Code, SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ArcGIS. Assigned tutor and open…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships