Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Main Equipment)

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

Course Overview

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design (Main Equipment) from the Engineering Institute of Technology is designed for engineers and technicians seeking to master the critical aspects of substation design, including calculating capacity, selecting configurations, and planning system studies. You will delve into the practicalities of laying out both outdoor high voltage switchyards and indoor medium voltage substations, learning to choose and integrate essential equipment for fault limiting, VAR compensation, and harmonic control. This online, part-time programme equips you with the specialised knowledge required to address the complexities of modern electrical network infrastructure.

Over three months, you will explore 12 comprehensive modules, engaging with case studies and practical examples that cover everything from substation types and system studies to the detailed specifications of switchgear, transformers, and protective devices. You will develop skills in designing busbars, interconnections, and auxiliary systems, ensuring safety clearances and environmental considerations are met. Upon completion of this online certificate, you will graduate with a refined understanding of substation design principles and practices, prepared to contribute effectively to electrical engineering projects.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This professional certificate program delves into the critical aspects of substation design, covering everything from the fundamental role of substations in electrical networks to the detailed specifications of main equipment. Participants will explore various substation configurations, system studies required for equipment rating, and the principles behind fault limiting, power factor compensation, and harmonic control. The course also provides a comprehensive overview of medium voltage metal-enclosed substation equipment, including design, layout, and specific case studies for both high and medium voltage applications.

1 Module 1: Role of Substations in an Electrical Network, Types and Configurations of Substations

Networks-an introduction
Substations as network nodes
Substation types based on their position in the network
Optimizing the location of a substation
Configurations of HV substations based on their bus arrangement (typical SLD)
Data on the industrial loads required for the design of the electrical supply substation
Load assumptions for residential and commercial consumers
Environmental issues in the location of a switchyard and mitigation measures
Planning permit and zoning regulations

2 Module 2: Examples/Case Studies of Substation Location and Selection of Configuration

Using a given set of data of loads and locations: perform the design of a typical HV substation and develop a suitable configuration, develop the single line diagram, calculate the current rating of busbars and feeders, perform busbar conductor sizing calculation

3 Module 3: System Studies Required for Finalising Equipment Ratings

Load flow study (active/reactive loads)
Short circuit study
Harmonic flow
Voltage profile and reactive power compensation
Stability study
Other calculations normally performed for substation design

4 Module 4: Examples/Case Studies of System Studies Required and System Study Specifications

Develop the specification for a system study for the substation of the previous module including studies to be made, points which should be studied, expected outcomes, impact on basic ratings, other issues such as handling excessive fault level and poor voltage conditions

5 Module 5: Overview of Switchyard Equipment and Their Ordering Specifications

Main (primary) equipment: Busbars, disconnectors, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, lightning arrestors, power transformers, structures
Layout options
Sectional and Safety clearances and their influence on the layout
Design of busbars (strung/tubular) and interconnections between equipment
Interconnecting cables and use of marshaling kiosks

6 Module 6: Examples/Case Studies of Substation Equipment Ratings/Ordering Specifications

Elaboration of example continued from modules 3 and 4: work out detailed ratings of equipment, update the single line diagram, layout of HV switchyard and sectional views, clearances, internal movements, and enhanced clearances

7 Module 7: Substation Equipment for Fault Limiting, Pf Compensation

Need for and application of fault limiting reactors, power factor compensation equipment, static VAR compensators
Principles of design and selection of ratings for fault limiting and pf compensation

8 Module 8: Substation Equipment for Harmonic Control

What is meant by harmonics?
The sources of harmonic generation
The effect of harmonics on electrical equipment
Applicable limits of harmonic distortion THD (V) and THD (I)
Harmonic control measures: control at source, control by passive filters, control by active filters
Rating of passive filters
Integration of filters and PFC during design

9 Module 9: Overview of Medium Voltage (Mv) Metal Enclosed Substation Equipment

Application of medium voltage in distribution networks
Main equipment: metal-enclosed switchgear, isolators, circuit breakers, instrument transformers, distribution transformers
Auxiliary systems
Control, protection, and auxiliary power
Cabling in substations
Ventilation and fire safety
Typical SLD
Layout options
Work clearances
Arc safety and fire safety in MV installations

10 Module 10: Examples/Case Studies of Mv Substation Equipment Design

Add an MV distribution requirement to the HV switchyard of module 6 with associated equipment for PFC and harmonic control. Based on the same: prepare a single line diagram for MV equipment, calculate ratings of PFC and harmonic control equipment

11 Module 11: Mv Substation Design and Specifications

Sizing of main equipment of MV substations
Layout of typical MV indoor substation
Facilities required
Switchgear room planning
Transformers-Indoor/outdoor options
Space for auxiliary supply equipment
Cabling as a part of building planning

12 Module 12: Examples/Case Studies of Mv Substation Equipment Layout

Based on the design details of module 11: work out space requirement for the switchgear, work out the space requirement for PFC and harmonic control equipment considering both indoor and outdoor options, prepare a layout in relation to the HV switchyard of module 6

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 580.00 - USD 1,974.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,122.00 - USD 2,971.00
Transport USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Utilities & Bills USD 849.00 - USD 1,698.00
Estimated Total USD 3,820.00 - USD 6,367.00

Living cost estimates are based on Perth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Automation & RoboticsAviation & Air TransportCustomer Experience & SupportMining Engineering & OperationsProduct Design & PrototypingProduct Management & UXRail & Mass TransitReal Estate DevelopmentSurface & Underground MiningTransport Engineering & Infrastructure

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 (Main Equipment) at Engineering Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

May 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in May 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 (Main Equipment) at Engineering Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the term and unlimited hours during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need an IELTS listening score of 5.0, overall score of 5.5, and a minimum of 5.0 in reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Substation Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Project Coordinator, and Technician.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Substation Design focuses on essential topics like capacity calculations and harmonic control. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and engage with industry experts and fellow students globally.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

This course has intakes in May and August, allowing flexibility for participants to start at different times throughout the year.
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