Course Description

The Distribution Substation Automation program is a specialized technical course designed to equip engineers and technical professionals with practical knowledge of modern Substation Automation Systems (SAS) used in medium and high-voltage distribution networks.

The course focuses on protection relays, intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), communication protocols (including IEC 61850), SCADA integration, remote monitoring, and grid modernization strategies. Participants will gain hands-on understanding of automation architecture, cybersecurity considerations, and operational reliability in digital substations.

Course Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this course, each participant will be able to:

  • Understand the architecture of modern Substation Automation Systems (SAS)
  • Explain the role of IEDs, protection relays, RTUs, and communication gateways
  • Apply IEC 61850 concepts in substation communication
  • Integrate substations with SCADA systems
  • Configure and coordinate protection schemes in automated substations
  • Identify cybersecurity risks in digital substations
  • Improve reliability, monitoring, and operational efficiency
  • Implement best practices for testing and commissioning

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for electrical engineers, protection engineers, SCADA engineers, utility engineers, automation specialists, and substation commissioning professionals.

Course Agenda

Registration

Welcome & Introduction

Pre-Test

Day 1 – Fundamentals of Substation Automation

  • Evolution from conventional to digital substations
  • Overview of Substation Automation System (SAS) architecture
  • Primary vs secondary equipment
  • Control, monitoring & protection integration
  • Benefits of automation in distribution networks

Day 2 – Protection Systems & Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs)

  • Protective relays in automated substations
  • Overcurrent, distance, differential protection schemes
  • IED configuration principles
  • Event recording & disturbance analysis
  • Protection coordination concepts

Day 3 – Communication Protocols & IEC 61850

  • Introduction to IEC 61850
  • GOOSE messaging concepts
  • MMS & Sampled Values
  • Substation communication networks (LAN, fiber optics)
  • Interoperability challenges

Day 4 – SCADA Integration & Cybersecurity

  • SCADA system architecture
  • RTUs, gateways & HMI integration
  • Remote monitoring & control
  • Alarm management & data logging
  • Cybersecurity threats in substations
  • Security standards & best practices
  • Case Study: SCADA failure and recovery analysis

Day 5 – Testing, Commissioning & Reliability Enhancement

  • Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) & Site Acceptance Test (SAT)
  • Commissioning procedures
  • System validation & troubleshooting
  • Asset management integration
  • Future trends: Smart Grids & Digital Substations

Post Test

End of the Course

Assessment Methodology

All courses conducted by EdTech will begin with a Pre-evaluation and end with a Post-evaluation. The instructor will evaluate the knowledge and skills of the participants according to the feedback given by participants. This will help to recognize the benefits and the level of knowledge gained by participants through the course.

Training Methodology

Facilitated by a highly qualified specialist, who has extensive knowledge and experience; this program will be conducted using extensively interactive methods, encouraging participants to share their own experiences and apply the program material to real-life work situations in order to stimulate group discussions and improve the efficiency of the subject coverage.

Percentages of the total course hour classification are:

  • ​40% Theoretical lectures, Concepts and approach
  • 20% Motivation to develop individual skill and Techniques
  • 20% Case Studies and Practical Exercises
  • 20% Topic General Discussions and interaction

Course Manual

Participants will be provided with comprehensive presentation material as reference manual. This presentation material is a compilation of core valuable information, references, presentation methods and inspiring reading which will be used as a part of the material guide.

Course Certificate

At the completion of the course, all participants who successfully accomplished the required contact hours will receive an EdTech Training Participation Certificate as a testimony to their commitment to professional development and further education.

Why Edtech ?

  • Industry Experienced; Internationally Qualified Trainers
  • Hands-on Practical Sessions & Assignments
  • Intensive Study materials
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Realistic training methodology
  • High-Quality Training in Affordable Course Fees
  • Achievement Certificate, as approved by the Ministry of Education (Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education Training - ACTVET), HABC, AWS, IAOSHE, SHRM, etc.