Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling of Power Converters
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling of Power Converters. 8 modules covering IEEE 2800-2022 (inverter-based resources connected to transmission), Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG grid code) and PSCAD/EMTDC. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in EMT Modelling of Power Converters — studying from South Africa
Energy is a defining sector in South Africa, with Eskom operating the bulk of the national generation and transmission network and independent power producers increasingly contributing renewable capacity. Grid modernisation, renewable integration and distribution management create steady demand for engineers. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa oversees electricity regulation, while municipalities manage local distribution. Energy engineers typically work on generation, transmission, protection and system planning.
Fees for South Africa: R 16 700 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Which South African bodies regulate energy and networks engineers, and would SEIUM count?
Energy engineers in South Africa are registered through ECSA, and the electricity sector is regulated by NERSA. Utilities and networks often require registered professionals for certain work. SEIUM is a private online institute, and its qualifications are not official state degrees or accredited by a national body. Recognition is for employers and the relevant body to decide, so verify this before enrolling.
Will this qualification help me find work with energy or network employers in South Africa?
South Africa's energy sector includes Eskom, municipalities, independent power producers and grid-related firms, which typically hire registered and experienced engineers. A private online qualification may support your application but does not guarantee a role. Check with target employers how they view it, and combine it with practical experience where possible.
How do I manage the workload, and can I get help with fees?
The programme is fully online and taught in English, so you need good English, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Master's programmes are 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours, with an assigned technical tutor and a final project. Fees are payable in instalments, and employer sponsorship may be possible, so ask your employer whether they would support the cost.
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
Explain the fundamentals of electromagnetic transient simulation.
Model two-level and three-level converter topologies.
Select the appropriate modelling level of detail for each study.
Implement current control loops and PLLs in an EMT model.
Analyse the converter's response to faults and voltage dips.
Detect control interactions and instability risks.
Prepare EMT models that comply with system operator requirements.
Who it's for
- EMT modelling engineer looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Power electronics engineer looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Grid connection studies specialist looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Converter control engineer looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Real-time simulation engineer looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Power system stability analyst looking to specialise in EMT Modelling of Power Converters.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter renewable generation.
What you'll work with
- IEEE 2800-2022 (inverter-based resources connected to transmission)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/631 (RfG grid code)
- IEC 61400-27-1 (electrical simulation models for wind turbines)
- IEEE 1547-2018 (interconnection of distributed resources)
- IEC 61400-21-1 (measurement of electrical characteristics of wind turbines)
- Orden TED/749/2020 (technical requirements for grid connection)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Electromagnetic transients versus phasor-domain analysis1.2Dommel's method and trapezoidal integration1.3Lumped-element models1.4Integration step and numerical oscillations1.5Tools: PSCAD, EMTP and ATP1.6Real-time simulation with RTDS and OPAL-RT1.7Ideal switches and switching events1.8Simulation initialisation1.9Validation of EMT models1.10Workshop: first simulation of an RLC circuit in PSCAD
2.1IGBT, SiC MOSFET and GaN2.2Conduction and switching losses2.3Two-level voltage source converter2.4Three-level NPC converters2.5Modular multilevel converters2.6Active rectifiers2.7DC/DC converters2.8LCL filters and their design2.9Thermal management of semiconductors2.10Practical: designing an LCL filter for a grid-connected inverter
3.1Sinusoidal PWM modulation3.2Space vector modulation3.3Detailed switching models3.4Averaged models3.5Controlled source models3.6Accuracy versus computation time trade-off3.7Multilevel converter models3.8Generic versus manufacturer models3.9Black-box and encrypted models3.10Laboratory: comparison of switched and averaged models
4.1Park transform and dq frame4.2Current control loops4.3PLL synchronisation4.4DC voltage control4.5Active and reactive power control4.6Grid-forming control4.7Control under unbalanced grids4.8Current limiting and saturation4.9Controller tuning4.10Laboratory: vector control of an inverter in PSCAD
5.1Response to voltage dips5.2Reactive current injection5.3Negative sequence during asymmetrical faults5.4Braking chopper and DC protection5.5Post-fault recovery5.6Interaction with grid protection5.7Overvoltages and saturation5.8Fault sequence modelling5.9Grid code requirements5.10Practical: simulating a three-phase voltage dip with a PV inverter
6.1Control interactions between converters6.2Harmonic resonances6.3Subsynchronous oscillations6.4Weak grids and low SCR6.5Impedance analysis6.6Generalised Nyquist criterion6.7Control interaction studies6.8Real-world oscillation cases6.9Mitigation measures6.10Case study: analysis of an oscillation in a wind farm on a weak grid
7.1EMT model requirements of system operators7.2Manufacturer modelling guidelines7.3Validation with field tests7.4Reference benchmarks7.5Full-plant models7.6Converter aggregation7.7Model documentation7.8Version control and confidentiality7.9Review of third-party models7.10Workshop: checklist for a manufacturer's EMT model
8.1Definition of the study system8.2Selection of the modelling level8.3Modelling the converter and its control8.4Grid modelling8.5Simulation of faults and disturbances8.6Interaction analysis8.7Validation and documentation8.8Technical conclusions8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute 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 easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSCAD/EMTDC, EMTP, RTDS (RSCAD), MATLAB/Simulink (Simscape Electrical), PLECS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assessments are based on real EMT model validation procedures against voltage dip tests, real-time simulation with hardware in the loop, control interaction studies and subsynchronous oscillations. Assessment is continuous across modules, 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.
Explain the fundamentals of electromagnetic transient simulation.
Model two-level and three-level converter topologies.
Select the appropriate modelling level of detail for each study.
Implement current control loops and PLLs in an EMT model.
Analyse the converter's response to faults and voltage dips.
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 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 an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with PSCAD/EMTDC, EMTP, RTDS (RSCAD), MATLAB/Simulink (Simscape Electrical), PLECS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This 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 credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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