Digital Protection of Power System Course | IIT Roorkee | Prof. Bhaveshkumar Bhalja
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 253 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Power Systems and Power Electronics |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Future of Grid Security: An In-Depth Course on Digital Protection of Power Systems
The modern power grid is a complex, dynamic network that forms the backbone of our digital society. Protecting this critical infrastructure from faults, disturbances, and cyber threats requires cutting-edge technology and deep expertise. For postgraduate students and industry professionals aiming to be at the forefront of this field, a comprehensive course led by a renowned expert is now available.
Meet Your Instructor: A Leader in Power System Protection
This course is instructed by Prof. Bhaveshkumar R. Bhalja from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. With over 20 years of teaching experience and more than 150 published papers, Prof. Bhalja is a distinguished authority. His accolades include the Fulbright Nehru Fellowship, the Young Engineers Award, and recognition from the Institution of Engineers, India. He is the author of seminal textbooks like "Protection and Switchgear" (Oxford University Press) and "Transmission Line Protection Using Digital Technology" (Springer). As a Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow of IE and ISTE, his research in Digital Protection, Smart Grids, PMUs, and AI applications is both pioneering and practical.
Course Overview: Bridging Theory and Practice
This 8-week postgraduate-level course is meticulously designed to provide a holistic understanding of digital protection systems. It serves as an essential resource for students at IITs, NITs, state colleges, and universities, as well as for practicing engineers.
The course aims to deliver a comprehensive, up-to-date presentation of:
- Fundamentals and architecture of digital/numerical relays.
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques and phasor estimation algorithms (DFT, LES, Walsh functions).
- Protection schemes for generators, transformers, buses, and transmission lines.
- Advanced topics like power swing blocking, series-compensated line protection, and microgrid protection.
- The role of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and the IEEE C37.118 standard for wide-area monitoring.
- The revolutionary IEC 61850 standard for substation automation and interoperability.
- Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), traveling waves, and wavelet transforms in relaying.
It uniquely bridges theoretical advances with real-world engineering challenges, featuring practical examples and problems to solidify learning.
Detailed 8-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to digital relays, sampling, aliasing, and the sliding window concept. |
| Week 2 | Phasor estimation algorithms (Full/Half-cycle DFT, LES), frequency estimation, and protection of generators, motors & busbars. |
| Week 3 | Transformer differential protection, overcurrent & earth fault relays, relay coordination, and challenges for distance relays. |
| Week 4 | Digital distance relaying: impedance computation, power swing blocking, and protection of double-circuit, multi-terminal & series-compensated lines. |
| Week 5 | Load shedding, frequency relaying, islanding detection, and protection challenges in DG-integrated networks. |
| Week 6 | Hardware-in-loop testing, protection of AC/DC and hybrid microgrids, and traveling wave-based algorithms. |
| Week 7 | Application of AI in relaying, introduction to PMUs, IEEE C37.118, wide-area protection, and IEC 61850 (Part 1). |
| Week 8 | IEC 61850 (Parts 2 & 3), HVDC transmission protection, cyber-security for power grids, and control switching. |
Who Should Enroll?
Intended Audience: Postgraduate students (M.Tech, M.E., Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, specifically in Power Systems and Power Electronics. The course is also highly beneficial for faculty members and researchers.
Industry Support: The curriculum is highly relevant for professionals in leading companies like L&T, ABB, Siemens, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), where digital protection and substation automation are key focus areas.
Key Learning Resources & Books
The course content is supported by foundational and advanced texts, including Prof. Bhalja's own authored books. Recommended reading includes:
- Anderson, P.M., Power System Protection
- Bhavesh Bhalja, R. P. Maheshwari, et al., Protection and Switchgear (Oxford University Press)
- Bhavesh Bhalja and Vijay H. Makwana, "Transmission Line Protection Using Digital Technology" (Springer)
- Phadke, A.G. and J.S. Thorp, Computer Relaying for Power Systems
This course represents a unique opportunity to learn from one of India's foremost experts. It equips the next generation of engineers with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage the digital protection systems that will secure our power grids for decades to come.
Enroll Now →