EE423 High Voltage Engineering
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Mar 03, 2026
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Course Objectives
The High Voltage Engineering course provides a comprehensive understanding of high voltage engineering with primary focus on high voltage substations and the practical overview of the substation’s technologies and practices. Students will gain practical understanding of all elements of substations and all phases leading to procurement, design, engineering, construction, commissioning, erection and maintenance of high voltage substations using real life examples. Additionally, they will familiarize themselves with current trends in substation technology. Course objectives can be summarize into the following: • Practical Understanding of Substation Technology: Equip students with hands-on knowledge of high voltage substation components, their design, and operation, emphasizing industry practices. • Industry-Driven Problem Solving: Develop skills to identify, analyze, and solve real-world challenges in substation design, construction, and maintenance through case studies and field visits. • Proficiency in Substation Equipment and Technologies: Foster familiarity with modern substation technologies such as SCADA, protection systems, and digital substations, including emerging trends like IoT and AI. • Safety and Reliability Focus: Instill awareness of safety standards, risk management, and reliability principles in high voltage substations, preparing students to handle operational risks and failures. • Sustainability and Innovation: Encourage the integration of sustainable practices and future technologies in substation design, including renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient systems. • Professional Readiness: Prepare students for careers in the power industry with a strong foundation in substation standards, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance techniques through direct exposure to industry environments. Reasons to choose this course can be explained through following: 1. Industry-Relevant Focus • Practical Knowledge: Unlike traditional courses that are often theory-heavy, this course focuses on real-world, industry-relevant practices in the design, operation, and maintenance of high voltage substations. • Exposure to Current Technologies: The course covers cutting-edge substation technologies like SCADA systems, digital substations, and IoT-based monitoring—skills highly valued by employers in the power industry. 2. Hands-On Experience • Field Visits and Real-World Applications: Students get to visit high voltage substations, observe live operations, and interact with industry professionals, providing a tangible learning experience. • Case Studies: The inclusion of real-world case studies helps students understand how theoretical concepts are applied in practical scenarios, providing context for problem-solving. 3. High Demand for Substation Professionals • Job Opportunities: The global demand for power generation, transmission, and distribution is steadily increasing, and there’s a high demand for engineers and technicians specializing in high voltage substations. • Diverse Career Paths: This course opens up career paths in areas such as substation design, operation, maintenance, commissioning, and protection system engineering in both the public and private sectors. 4. Safety and Risk Management Expertise • Specialized Safety Knowledge: Substations operate at very high voltages, making safety a top priority. This course equips students with safety protocols, risk management, and reliability engineering skills, which are essential for handling high-risk environments. 5. Preparation for Certification and Professional Growth • Certification Readiness: The course material covers topics that align with industry standards (IEEE, IEC, OSHA, NFPA), helping students prepare for industry certifications and compliance requirements. • Career Advancement: For professionals already in the field, the course provides a platform to upskill, especially in areas such as automation, smart grids, and renewable energy integration in substations. 6. Exposure to Emerging Trends and Innovation • Smart Grid and Sustainability: The course delves into the latest developments in the energy industry, such as smart grids, digital substations, and renewable energy integration, allowing students to be ahead of the curve in future technologies. • Innovation in Power Systems: Learning about innovative technologies like AI-driven fault detection, IoT-based condition monitoring, and green substations will help students stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field. 7. High Impact on Power Grid Stability and Reliability • Critical Role in Power Infrastructure: High voltage substations are vital for the transmission and distribution of electricity. By mastering substation operations, students will be prepared to play a critical role in ensuring grid stability and power reliability. • Global Relevance: Power infrastructure is a key part of economic development worldwide, and this course provides skills that are transferable to any country or region, making students valuable in global markets. 8. Real-World Problem-Solving Skills • Focus on Practical Solutions: Students will learn to diagnose and resolve issues such as equipment failures, protection system malfunctions, and operational inefficiencies, which are frequent challenges in substations. • Confidence in Decision-Making: With practical exposure and industry-driven knowledge, students will develop the confidence to make informed decisions in high-pressure, real-time situations common in substation operations. 9. Networking with Industry Professionals • Interaction with Experts: Through field visits and guest lectures, students will have opportunities to network with professionals in the power sector, helping them build valuable industry contacts. • Mentorship Opportunities: Industry experts may serve as mentors or guides, offering insights into career development and professional growth. Main objective of this course is: “Preparing students for the work environment in line with current trends and equipment used on a global scale”.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
• “Electric Power Substations Engineering” by John D. McDonald Comprehensive guide covering substation engineering principles, design, and operational practices. • “Power System Protection” by Paul M. Anderson Detailed text on protection systems for substations, including relay coordination and fault protection. • “NETWORK PROTECTION & AUTOMATION GUIDE, EDITION MAY 2011, 2011 ALSTOM GRID Textbook for protection engineers and technicians • “SUBSTATION DESIGN / APPLICATION GUIDE” by V AYADURAI BSC, C.Eng, FIEE Comprehensive guide to substation maintenance procedures and techniques. • “Smart Grids: Technology and applications” by Janaka Ekanayake, Kithsiri Liyanage, Jianzhong Wu, Akihiko Yokoyama, Nick Jenkins Explores the role of smart grids, digital substations, and future technologies in substation design and operation. • “CIGRE Green Books: Substations, by Terry Krieg, John Finn Provides insights into renewable energy integration into substations and the associated challenges.
Additional Literature
IEC standards (ISO/IEC 27001, IEC 62351, IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, IEC 62439) and recommendations; Market Leaders (Siemens/ABB/Hitachi/GE/Schneider) avalable documentation Real world projects documentation;Teaching Methods
T (teaching): + Presentation + Group discussion - 2 hours per week P (Practice): + Project / Assignments – 5 hours per week
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | Introduction to High voltage substation engineering Overview of electrical power systems and the role of substations. Types of substations (generation, transmission, and distribution). Major components of a substation: transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays. |
| 2 | Substation Equipment Overview | Power transformers: design, operation, and maintenance. Circuit breakers and disconnect switches: types and functions. Instrument transformers (CTs and VTs). Insulation types and SF6 gas: environmental impacts and industry response Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in substations. Practical applications of Digital Substations and IEC 61850. |
| 3 | Procurement process | Procurement process for substation projects: from planning to execution. Tendering processes, contracts, and vendor selection. Cost estimation, project scheduling, and financial analysis. Risk management in procurement (delays, cost overruns, and contractor issues). |
| 4 | Procurement process | Practical quide to procurement process using real life project example. |
| 5 | Design of HV substations - Fundamentals | Substation design fundamentals Substation layout and design principles. Substation busbar configurations: single bus, double bus, ring bus, and breaker-and-a-half. Grounding and lightning protection systems. |
| 6 | Design of HV substations – Detailed design | Practical quide to design process using real life project example. Understanding the detailed drawings for primary equipment design. Understanding the detailed drawings for secondary equipment design. Practical exercise and demonstrations; |
| 7 | Design of HV substations - Softwares | Overview of softwares used for designing HV substations |
| 8 | Midterm exam | |
| 9 | Protection & Control Systems - Fundamentals | Principles of protection systems in substations. Protection relays: overcurrent, differential, distance, and backup protection. Relay coordination and settings. Introduction to SCADA systems and their role in substation monitoring and control. IEC 61850 protocol for communication in substations. Remote monitoring, automation, and control of substations. |
| 10 | Substation Engineering - Fundamentals | Introduction to common engineering tools and practices. |
| 11 | Substation Commissioning and Testing | Steps in substation commissioning: testing, validation, and energizing. Testing of substation equipment: transformer oil tests, circuit breaker tests, relay testing. Test protocols and procedures |
| 12 | Substation Maintenance and Operation | Understand the operational procedures and best practices for managing substations. Learn about the maintenance practices required to ensure reliable substation operation. Recognize the importance of safety protocols and emergency response in substation operations. |
| 13 | Integration of Renewable Energy into Substations | Challenges of integrating renewable energy into substations (wind, solar, energy storage). Substation design for handling variable renewable generation. Case studies on substations with large-scale renewable integration. |
| 14 | Future Trends and Technological Innovations | Future trends: digital substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), AI in substations. Innovations in substation monitoring and fault detection. Case studies on new substation technologies. |
| 15 | Final exam |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EE423.1 | Course | Wednesday 17:00 - 19:50 | B F2.4 | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Mid - Term exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Quizzes
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
Project assignment and presentation
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes :
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture hours
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Project assignment / presentations
24 hours ⏳ (12 week × 2 h)
Final exam study
12 hours ⏳ (1 week × 12 h)
In-term exam study
30 hours ⏳ (3 week × 10 h)
Home study
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [EE423] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo
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Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| EE423 | High Voltage Engineering | 3 | 2 | 6 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | EE202 | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | TBA | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Currently not available |
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| TBA | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Assistant E-mail | |||||||||
| Course Objectives | The High Voltage Engineering course provides a comprehensive understanding of high voltage engineering with primary focus on high voltage substations and the practical overview of the substation’s technologies and practices. Students will gain practical understanding of all elements of substations and all phases leading to procurement, design, engineering, construction, commissioning, erection and maintenance of high voltage substations using real life examples. Additionally, they will familiarize themselves with current trends in substation technology. Course objectives can be summarize into the following: • Practical Understanding of Substation Technology: Equip students with hands-on knowledge of high voltage substation components, their design, and operation, emphasizing industry practices. • Industry-Driven Problem Solving: Develop skills to identify, analyze, and solve real-world challenges in substation design, construction, and maintenance through case studies and field visits. • Proficiency in Substation Equipment and Technologies: Foster familiarity with modern substation technologies such as SCADA, protection systems, and digital substations, including emerging trends like IoT and AI. • Safety and Reliability Focus: Instill awareness of safety standards, risk management, and reliability principles in high voltage substations, preparing students to handle operational risks and failures. • Sustainability and Innovation: Encourage the integration of sustainable practices and future technologies in substation design, including renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient systems. • Professional Readiness: Prepare students for careers in the power industry with a strong foundation in substation standards, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance techniques through direct exposure to industry environments. Reasons to choose this course can be explained through following: 1. Industry-Relevant Focus • Practical Knowledge: Unlike traditional courses that are often theory-heavy, this course focuses on real-world, industry-relevant practices in the design, operation, and maintenance of high voltage substations. • Exposure to Current Technologies: The course covers cutting-edge substation technologies like SCADA systems, digital substations, and IoT-based monitoring—skills highly valued by employers in the power industry. 2. Hands-On Experience • Field Visits and Real-World Applications: Students get to visit high voltage substations, observe live operations, and interact with industry professionals, providing a tangible learning experience. • Case Studies: The inclusion of real-world case studies helps students understand how theoretical concepts are applied in practical scenarios, providing context for problem-solving. 3. High Demand for Substation Professionals • Job Opportunities: The global demand for power generation, transmission, and distribution is steadily increasing, and there’s a high demand for engineers and technicians specializing in high voltage substations. • Diverse Career Paths: This course opens up career paths in areas such as substation design, operation, maintenance, commissioning, and protection system engineering in both the public and private sectors. 4. Safety and Risk Management Expertise • Specialized Safety Knowledge: Substations operate at very high voltages, making safety a top priority. This course equips students with safety protocols, risk management, and reliability engineering skills, which are essential for handling high-risk environments. 5. Preparation for Certification and Professional Growth • Certification Readiness: The course material covers topics that align with industry standards (IEEE, IEC, OSHA, NFPA), helping students prepare for industry certifications and compliance requirements. • Career Advancement: For professionals already in the field, the course provides a platform to upskill, especially in areas such as automation, smart grids, and renewable energy integration in substations. 6. Exposure to Emerging Trends and Innovation • Smart Grid and Sustainability: The course delves into the latest developments in the energy industry, such as smart grids, digital substations, and renewable energy integration, allowing students to be ahead of the curve in future technologies. • Innovation in Power Systems: Learning about innovative technologies like AI-driven fault detection, IoT-based condition monitoring, and green substations will help students stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field. 7. High Impact on Power Grid Stability and Reliability • Critical Role in Power Infrastructure: High voltage substations are vital for the transmission and distribution of electricity. By mastering substation operations, students will be prepared to play a critical role in ensuring grid stability and power reliability. • Global Relevance: Power infrastructure is a key part of economic development worldwide, and this course provides skills that are transferable to any country or region, making students valuable in global markets. 8. Real-World Problem-Solving Skills • Focus on Practical Solutions: Students will learn to diagnose and resolve issues such as equipment failures, protection system malfunctions, and operational inefficiencies, which are frequent challenges in substations. • Confidence in Decision-Making: With practical exposure and industry-driven knowledge, students will develop the confidence to make informed decisions in high-pressure, real-time situations common in substation operations. 9. Networking with Industry Professionals • Interaction with Experts: Through field visits and guest lectures, students will have opportunities to network with professionals in the power sector, helping them build valuable industry contacts. • Mentorship Opportunities: Industry experts may serve as mentors or guides, offering insights into career development and professional growth. Main objective of this course is: “Preparing students for the work environment in line with current trends and equipment used on a global scale”. |
|||||||||
| Textbook | • “Electric Power Substations Engineering” by John D. McDonald Comprehensive guide covering substation engineering principles, design, and operational practices. • “Power System Protection” by Paul M. Anderson Detailed text on protection systems for substations, including relay coordination and fault protection. • “NETWORK PROTECTION & AUTOMATION GUIDE, EDITION MAY 2011, 2011 ALSTOM GRID Textbook for protection engineers and technicians • “SUBSTATION DESIGN / APPLICATION GUIDE” by V AYADURAI BSC, C.Eng, FIEE Comprehensive guide to substation maintenance procedures and techniques. • “Smart Grids: Technology and applications” by Janaka Ekanayake, Kithsiri Liyanage, Jianzhong Wu, Akihiko Yokoyama, Nick Jenkins Explores the role of smart grids, digital substations, and future technologies in substation design and operation. • “CIGRE Green Books: Substations, by Terry Krieg, John Finn Provides insights into renewable energy integration into substations and the associated challenges. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
| Teaching Methods | T (teaching): + Presentation + Group discussion - 2 hours per week P (Practice): + Project / Assignments – 5 hours per week | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Introduction | Introduction to High voltage substation engineering Overview of electrical power systems and the role of substations. Types of substations (generation, transmission, and distribution). Major components of a substation: transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays. | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Substation Equipment Overview | Power transformers: design, operation, and maintenance. Circuit breakers and disconnect switches: types and functions. Instrument transformers (CTs and VTs). Insulation types and SF6 gas: environmental impacts and industry response Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in substations. Practical applications of Digital Substations and IEC 61850. | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Procurement process | Procurement process for substation projects: from planning to execution. Tendering processes, contracts, and vendor selection. Cost estimation, project scheduling, and financial analysis. Risk management in procurement (delays, cost overruns, and contractor issues). | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Procurement process | Practical quide to procurement process using real life project example. | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Design of HV substations - Fundamentals | Substation design fundamentals Substation layout and design principles. Substation busbar configurations: single bus, double bus, ring bus, and breaker-and-a-half. Grounding and lightning protection systems. | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Design of HV substations – Detailed design | Practical quide to design process using real life project example. Understanding the detailed drawings for primary equipment design. Understanding the detailed drawings for secondary equipment design. Practical exercise and demonstrations; | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Design of HV substations - Softwares | Overview of softwares used for designing HV substations | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm exam | |||||||||
| Week 9 | Protection & Control Systems - Fundamentals | Principles of protection systems in substations. Protection relays: overcurrent, differential, distance, and backup protection. Relay coordination and settings. Introduction to SCADA systems and their role in substation monitoring and control. IEC 61850 protocol for communication in substations. Remote monitoring, automation, and control of substations. | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Substation Engineering - Fundamentals | Introduction to common engineering tools and practices. | ||||||||
| Week 11 | Substation Commissioning and Testing | Steps in substation commissioning: testing, validation, and energizing. Testing of substation equipment: transformer oil tests, circuit breaker tests, relay testing. Test protocols and procedures | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Substation Maintenance and Operation | Understand the operational procedures and best practices for managing substations. Learn about the maintenance practices required to ensure reliable substation operation. Recognize the importance of safety protocols and emergency response in substation operations. | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Integration of Renewable Energy into Substations | Challenges of integrating renewable energy into substations (wind, solar, energy storage). Substation design for handling variable renewable generation. Case studies on substations with large-scale renewable integration. | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Future Trends and Technological Innovations | Future trends: digital substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), AI in substations. Innovations in substation monitoring and fault detection. Case studies on new substation technologies. | ||||||||
| Week 15 | Final exam | |||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 30 | Not Allowed | ||
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Mid - Term exam | 1 | 30 | Not Allowed | ||
| Quizzes | 2 | 20 | Not Allowed | ||
| Project assignment and presentation | 1 | 20 | Not Allowed | ||
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture hours | 3 | 14 | 42 | Project assignment / presentations | 2 | 12 | 24 | |||
| Final exam study | 12 | 1 | 12 | In-term exam study | 10 | 3 | 30 | |||
| Home study | 3 | 14 | 42 | |||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 27/03/2026 | |||||||||