Course Overview
The course builds on the fundamentals of three-phase power system (learned from the prerequisite courses) and teaches a practical approach to power system protection. It begins by introducing how the modern power grid is shifting from centralized to distributed generation architecture, key elements of a protection system, construction of a modern microprocessor-based relay and attributes of a reliable protection system. It then gives a brief overview of short circuit analysis, which is being covered in detail in a concurrent course. The course discusses characteristics of the modern inverter-based generators (wind, solar and battery resources) and how they differ from conventional synchronous generators (thermal and hydro electric generators). The distribution system grounding, which significantly influences protection requirements, is discussed in detail. It covers in-depth protection practices used in the traditional distribution system. New protection practices are discussed to accommodate distributed generation and its operation with the consumers as a microgrid. The course uses operational experiences from installed distributed generator resources and microgrids and relates them to the protection practices introduced in the course. The course laboratory exercises involves hands-on experience with a CT (current transformer) saturation simulator and industry standard short circuit simulation programs.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in SGST 9110
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$2,569.34
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the architecture of a centralized versus decentralized power system (benefits, protection challenges).
- Analyze short circuit conditions.
- Understand protection system elements (signal sources (CTs and PTs), protective elements (current, voltage, frequency), circuit breakers.
- Describe protection system schemes (zones, overcurrent, voltage, frequency).
- Compare the characteristics of protection systems (speed, selectivity and dependability vs. reliability).
- Discuss microgrid protection challenges.
- Recognize how non-conventional sources and their characteristics (inverter-based resources such as solar, wind-farm, batteries) are different from conventional.
- Explain different operation strategies for microgrids (grid-following, grid-forming, etc.).
- Describe how to interconnect DERs to the distribution system, associated protection challenges and how to overcome the challenges (anti-islanding, power quality, reconnection, etc.).
- Analyze real examples of microgrids with conventional sources and non-conventional sources (project).
Effective as of Fall 2022
Related Programs
Power System Protection & Control (SGST 9230) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Smart Grid Systems and Technologies
Master of Engineering Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Winter 2026
Below is one offering of SGST 9230 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 90453
Dates
Jan 08 - Apr 23 Loading
- CRN 90453
- $2569.34 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08 - Apr 23 | Thu | 18:00 - 21:00 | Online |
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
Sabuj Das Gupta
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No class on Thursday, March 12th, 2025. Registration in individual courses will be open to qualified candidates for professional development. Registration approval is automatically granted upon acceptance into the program. Note: BCIT reserves the right to cancel courses. In the event of a part-time studies course cancellation, you will be notified at least two business days prior to the course start. Please ensure that your contact information is current. For questions related to this course, please email us at meng_sgst@bcit.ca and include your BCIT ID (if you have one).
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.