Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Control, Protection & Facility Planning)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Months
Mode Online
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Closing soon July 2027

Course Overview

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Control, Protection & Facility Planning) from the Engineering Institute of Technology is designed for engineers and technicians seeking to master the critical aspects of substation infrastructure. You will explore the complex interplay between control systems, protective relaying, and the physical facility planning required for safe and efficient operation. This online, part-time certificate equips you with practical knowledge in areas like substation earthing, lightning protection, and the design of auxiliary power systems, making it ideal for professionals aiming to advance their expertise in power system engineering.

This part-time, online certificate is studied over 3 months, allowing you to develop your skills while maintaining your current professional commitments. You will engage with 12 comprehensive modules, delving into practical design considerations, sizing calculations for essential components like battery backup, and the coordination required with other engineering disciplines. Through case studies and examples, you will learn to design robust earthing systems, implement effective lightning protection, and configure control and interlocking schemes. Upon completion, you will graduate with a clear understanding of substation design principles, enhancing your career prospects in the electrical engineering sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This professional certificate program focuses on the comprehensive design of electrical substations. You will learn to design earthing systems, including calculations for conductors and mesh spacing, and understand lightning protection methods and surge arrestor selection. The curriculum also covers protection design for various substation components, control and interlocking schemes, and auxiliary power systems. Finally, facility planning, including civil works and physical security, and an exploration of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) as an alternative to traditional outdoor substations are included.

1 Module 1: Earthing System of Switchyards

Basics of functional and protective earthing
Touch and step voltages in substations
Design of earth grid-basic considerations in conductor sizing and mesh spacing
Safety mesh at operating points
Role of gravel layer in safety
Transferred voltage hazards and planning isolation of outgoing services to avoid transfer voltage

2 Module 2: Example of Switchyard Earthing System Design

Perform earthing calculations including sizing of earthing conductors
Calculate the earth mesh size for the switchyard
Develop a layout for the mesh and show the other connections required to avoid transferred voltages
Show the size of safety mesh to be provided and the operating points on the layout
Draw up the installation specification for the earthing system

3 Module 3: Lightning Protection of Switchyards

Basics of lightning and hazards
Role of shield wire and lightning masts
Typical configurations of lightning protection of switchyards
Analysis of hazard using a cone of protection and rolling sphere methods
Selection of lightning arrestors-types, class and ratings

4 Module 4: Example of Switchyard Lightning and Surge Protection Design

Design the lightning protection of a typical HV switchyard based on a given layout and analyze the adequacy of protection
Locate and select surge protection (lightning arrestors) of the above HV switchyard

5 Module 5: Protection Design for Substation-1

Brief overview of protection
Over-current protection
Current transformers requirements for protection
Protection relays
IEDs and communication options
Protection coordination

6 Module 6: Examples/Case Studies of MV Substation Protection

Suggested protective devices for over current and earth fault
Suggested settings
Select the specifications of CT and VT
Checking of CT burden
Protection coordination checking
Explore the substation automation system using IEDs provided for protection
Prepare an ordering specification

7 Module 7: Protection Design for Substation-2

Protection of transformers
Busbar protection
Feeder protection
Equipment requirements for substation automation
PLCC applications in protection and communication
PLCC hardware and integrating them with the switchyard equipment

8 Module 8: Examples/Case Studies of HV Substation Protection

Suggested protection schemes for all the feeders of the switchyard, its busbars, and transformers
Explore the use of PLCC for line protection and communication
Prepare an ordering specification for protection equipment

9 Module 9: Switchyard Control and Interlocking

DC power requirements for switchyard equipment
DC equipment configuration and specifications
DC distribution for switchyard equipment
Battery calculations basis
Space planning and related facilities for a battery installation
AC auxiliary power for switchyard systems-loads which require AC power
Possible source options
AC auxiliary distribution for switchyard equipment and support systems
Control scheme of disconnectors and circuit breakers
Control interconnection approach
Use of optical fiber-based control scheme
Role and location of marshaling kiosks in different bays

10 Module 10: Example Case Study of Design of HV Substation Control and Auxiliary Systems

DC auxiliary requirements
Battery sizing calculation
DC auxiliary equipment and their ratings
DC distribution SLD
Layout of DC equipment
AC auxiliary power requirement
Sources and rating
AC auxiliary system SLD
Layout of auxiliary switchgear
Interconnections of AC and DC auxiliary power and switchyard controls

11 Module 11: Switchyard-Facility Planning

Site preparation, leveling
Earth resistivity measurement and its role in design verification
Civil works such as equipment foundations, cable trenches, control building, storm drains, transformer oil collection pit
Structures and their design requirements
Substation fence and physical security
Surveillance
Planning water requirements and supply arrangement
Fire protection, lighting, and ventilation of control room and other equipment

12 Module 12: Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) as an Alternative to Outdoor Switchyard

HV gas-insulated substation-an alternative to outdoor HV switchyards
SF6 properties, advantages, and environmental impact
Typical substation configurations in SF6
Indoor/outdoor options
Gas safety considerations
Equipment for handling SF6
SF6 substation layout planning and earthing considerations
Cable terminations to SF6 equipment

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 979.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 979.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 641.00 - USD 1,522.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,400.00 - USD 8,000.00
Transport USD 1,061.00 - USD 1,350.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,206.00 - USD 1,359.00
Estimated Total USD 8,667.00 - USD 9,109.00

Living cost estimates are based on Melbourne Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

79%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Environmental & Sustainability ServicesIndustry 4.0 & Digital ManufacturingMineral Exploration & GeologyNetworking & Internet ServicesNuclear EnergyProduct Design & PrototypingReal Estate DevelopmentResidential ConstructionUrban Mobility & Smart TransportWireless & Mobile Communications

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Acwa Operations

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

BHP

Botswana Power Corporation

Cementation Africa

Chevron

Debswana Diamond Company

Energy Queensland

Why Study Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Control, Protection & Facility Planning) at Engineering Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

July 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in July 2027

Life at Engineering Institute of Technology in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Control, Protection & Facility Planning) at Engineering Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need an IELTS score of at least 5.5 overall, with specific minimum scores in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Make sure to meet these requirements to qualify.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Substation Engineer, Protection Engineer, Electrical Technician, Facility Planner, and Control System Engineer.

What will I actually study in this course?

This professional development course is designed for engineers and technicians who need to gain practical skills and knowledge in the control, protection, and facility planning systems within substation design control.

Substation Design Control Course Benefits

  • Receive a Certificate of Completion from EIT.
  • Learn from well-known faculty and industry experts from around the globe.
  • Flexibility of attending anytime from anywhere, even when you are

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The next intake for the Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design starts in July. Ensure you enroll before the deadline to secure your spot.
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