
M-TECH in Power System Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology


Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Power System Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Power System Engineering program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced concepts in generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical power. It addresses critical areas like smart grids, renewable energy integration, and power system deregulation, crucial for India''''s evolving energy landscape. The program''''s blend of theoretical depth and practical application prepares students for modern challenges in the power sector, emphasizing innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for electrical engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech in EEE/ECE/EIE/Instrumentation and Control) seeking specialized knowledge in power systems. It targets fresh graduates aiming for careers in energy utilities, consultancies, or research. Working professionals in the power industry looking to upskill in areas like smart grids, renewable energy, and power system automation will also find it beneficial, as it provides a strong foundation for leadership roles.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in PSUs like NTPC, PGCIL, state electricity boards, and private energy firms. Roles include Power System Analyst, Design Engineer, Protection Engineer, or Smart Grid Specialist. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program also aligns with certifications in energy management and power quality, fostering growth in a high-demand sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Power System Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand advanced power system analysis, protection, and operation concepts. Utilize textbooks, online courses (NPTEL, Coursera), and problem-solving sessions. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and work through numerical problems.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Power System Analysis/Protection, MATLAB/SIMULINK for basic simulations, Textbook exercises
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for cracking technical interviews for core power sector roles in PSUs and private companies.
Engage with Lab Work and Simulation Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all advanced power system and power electronics lab sessions. Gain hands-on experience with protection relays, power quality meters, and advanced simulation software (e.g., ETAP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory). Document all experiments and analyze results critically.
Tools & Resources
ETAP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, MATLAB/Simulink
Career Connection
Proficiency in industry-standard software is highly valued by employers for design, analysis, and operation roles.
Explore Electives Strategically for Specialization- (Semester 1-2)
In semesters 1 and 2, carefully choose professional electives that align with your career interests (e.g., renewable energy, smart grids, power electronics, HVDC). Research industry trends and faculty expertise to make informed decisions that build a focused skill set.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Industry reports (IEA, CEA), LinkedIn profiles of professionals
Career Connection
Early specialization helps in building a strong profile for specific roles and provides a competitive edge in niche areas.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Research Methodology and Mini-Projects- (Semester 3)
Utilize the ''''Research Methodology and IPR'''' course to hone research skills. Actively participate in the ''''Mini Project with Seminar'''' to identify a problem, conduct a thorough literature review, propose a solution, and present findings. Seek mentorship from faculty for project guidance.
Tools & Resources
IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Google Scholar for literature review, Presentation tools (PowerPoint, LaTeX Beamer)
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for R&D roles, higher studies, and effective project execution in industry.
Pursue Certifications in Niche Power Domains- (Semester 3)
Consider pursuing certifications in high-demand areas like renewable energy system design (e.g., solar PV design), energy auditing (BEE certification for energy auditors), or specific software proficiency (e.g., PSCAD/EMTDC). These add practical skills and industry recognition.
Tools & Resources
Online certification platforms, Industry associations, NIES, BEE
Career Connection
Differentiates your profile and demonstrates specialized skills highly sought after by companies in specific power system sub-domains.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend power sector conferences, workshops, and webinars. Engage with guest lecturers and alumni. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your areas of interest. These interactions provide insights into industry trends and potential career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry event calendars (e.g., IEEE events), Professional associations
Career Connection
Builds professional connections for mentorship, internships, and potential job referrals.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work Phase I & II- (Semester 3-4)
Treat your Master''''s project as a cornerstone of your specialization. Select a challenging and relevant topic, ideally with industry applicability. Work diligently on research, design, implementation, and thesis writing, aiming for publishable quality.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, Simulation software, Access to relevant databases, Academic writing tools (Grammarly, Mendeley)
Career Connection
A strong project with tangible outcomes can be a powerful talking point in interviews, demonstrating deep technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements- (Semester 4)
Start placement preparation early, focusing on technical aptitude, quantitative skills, and communication. Practice mock interviews, participate in campus recruitment drives, and tailor your resume and cover letter to specific company requirements.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Online aptitude tests, Interview preparation guides, Company websites for research
Career Connection
Maximizes your chances of securing a desirable job offer in core power system engineering roles or related fields.
Explore Entrepreneurship or Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
For those inclined towards innovation, explore the possibility of converting your project work into a startup idea, utilizing institutional incubation centers. Alternatively, prepare for competitive exams (e.g., NET, GATE for Ph.D.) if aiming for academic or advanced research careers.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Entrepreneurship Cell, Startup accelerators, Ph.D. program requirements, Coaching for competitive exams
Career Connection
Opens pathways to impactful innovation, leadership roles, or advanced research and teaching positions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E. / B.Tech. in EEE / ECE / EIE / Instrumentation and Control Engineering with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks. GATE qualified candidates are given preference.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory) / 60% (for practicals) / 100% (for Project Work Phase I & II), External: 60% (for theory) / 40% (for practicals) / 40% (for Project Work Phase III & IV)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC21101 | Advanced Power System Analysis | Core | 3 | Power system network modeling, Load flow studies, Optimal power flow, Short circuit analysis, Power system stability |
| PSC21102 | Advanced Power System Protection | Core | 3 | Principles of protection, Digital protection, Transmission line protection, Generator protection, Transformer protection |
| PSC21103 | Power System Operation and Control | Core | 3 | Unit commitment, Economic dispatch, Load frequency control, Reactive power control, Voltage stability |
| PSE21151 | Advanced Control of Electrical Drives | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | Drive systems, DC motor drives, AC motor drives, Vector control, Sensorless control |
| PSE21152 | Modern HVDC Transmission Systems | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | HVDC configurations, Converter analysis, Control of HVDC, AC-DC interaction, Multi-terminal HVDC |
| PSE21153 | Digital Signal Processing | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | Discrete time signals, Z-transform, Digital filters, DFT, FFT algorithms |
| PSE21154 | Advanced Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | Vehicle architectures, Electric machines, Energy storage, Charging infrastructure, Power electronics |
| PSE21155 | Artificial Intelligence in Power Systems | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | AI fundamentals, Machine learning, Neural networks, Fuzzy logic, Expert systems |
| PSE21156 | Smart Grid Technologies | Elective (Professional Elective I) | 3 | Smart grid architecture, Advanced metering infrastructure, Wide area monitoring, Cyber security, Renewable energy integration |
| PSC21104 | Advanced Power System Lab | Lab | 2 | Power system simulation, Protection relay testing, Load flow studies, Power quality analysis, Renewable energy systems |
| PSC21105 | Research Methodology and IPR | Core | 2 | Research process, Data collection, Statistical analysis, Research ethics, Intellectual property rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC21201 | Power System Dynamics and Stability | Core | 3 | Synchronous machine modeling, Small signal stability, Transient stability, Voltage stability analysis, Power system stabilizers |
| PSC21202 | Advanced Power Electronics for Power Systems | Core | 3 | Power semiconductor devices, DC-DC converters, AC-DC converters, Inverters, FACTS devices |
| PSE21251 | Computer Aided Power System Analysis | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Network matrices, Sparse matrix techniques, Numerical integration, Power system software, State estimation |
| PSE21252 | Power System Planning | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Generation expansion planning, Transmission planning, Distribution system planning, Reliability assessment, Financial modeling |
| PSE21253 | High Voltage Engineering | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Breakdown mechanisms, Insulation materials, High voltage testing, Lightning phenomena, Overvoltage protection |
| PSE21254 | Distribution Automation and Management | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Distribution system components, SCADA systems, Feeder automation, Demand side management, Microgrids |
| PSE21255 | Energy Management and Auditing | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Energy conservation, Energy audit methodology, Renewable energy systems, Waste heat recovery, Carbon footprint |
| PSE21256 | Power Quality | Elective (Professional Elective II) | 3 | Voltage sags and swells, Harmonics, Flicker, Power factor correction, Active filters |
| PSE21257 | Wind and Solar Energy Systems | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | Wind turbine types, Solar PV systems, Grid integration, Hybrid renewable systems, Energy storage |
| PSE21258 | Digital Control Systems | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | Z-transform, Sampled data systems, Digital controller design, State space analysis, Optimal control |
| PSE21259 | Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | FACTS controllers, Shunt compensation, Series compensation, Thyristor-based controllers, Voltage stability enhancement |
| PSE21260 | Industrial Load Management and Energy Auditing | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | Load characteristics, Demand response, Energy conservation measures, Energy audit instruments, Financial analysis |
| PSE21261 | Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | EV powertrain, Battery technologies, Fuel cell vehicles, Motor control, Charging systems |
| PSE21262 | Distributed Generation and Microgrids | Elective (Professional Elective III) | 3 | DG technologies, Microgrid architectures, Control of microgrids, Grid synchronization, Islanded operation |
| PSC21203 | Advanced Power Electronics Lab | Lab | 2 | Converter circuits, Inverter topologies, PWM techniques, FACTS device simulation, DC-DC converter applications |
| PSC21204 | Mini Project with Seminar | Project | 3 | Problem identification, Literature survey, Design and implementation, Report writing, Presentation skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSE21351 | Optimization Techniques | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | Linear programming, Non-linear programming, Dynamic programming, Evolutionary algorithms, Optimization in power systems |
| PSE21352 | Solid State Relays | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | Microprocessor-based relays, Numerical relaying, Communication protocols, Relay testing, Fault analysis |
| PSE21353 | Restructured Power Systems | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | Market structures, Deregulation, Ancillary services, Congestion management, Price volatility |
| PSE21354 | SCADA System and Applications | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | SCADA architecture, Remote terminal units, Communication protocols, Human-machine interface, Data acquisition |
| PSE21355 | Energy Storage Systems | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | Battery storage, Supercapacitors, Flywheels, Pumped hydro storage, Hydrogen energy |
| PSE21356 | Cyber Security for Power Systems | Elective (Professional Elective IV) | 3 | Cyber security threats, SCADA security, NERC CIP standards, Intrusion detection, Cryptography |
| PSE21357 | Power System Transients | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | Overvoltages, Lightning surges, Switching transients, EMTP analysis, Insulation coordination |
| PSE21358 | EHV AC and DC Transmission | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | EHV lines, Corona effects, Insulation requirements, Reactive power compensation, HVDC transmission |
| PSE21359 | Reliability Engineering in Power Systems | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | Reliability indices, Generation reliability, Transmission reliability, Distribution reliability, Monte Carlo simulation |
| PSE21360 | Advanced Power Generation Systems | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | Combined cycle power plants, Nuclear power generation, Geothermal energy, Ocean energy, Waste-to-energy |
| PSE21361 | Power System Deregulation and Planning | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | Regulatory framework, Market design, Transmission pricing, Investment planning, Risk management |
| PSE21362 | Machine Learning for Power Systems | Elective (Professional Elective V) | 3 | Supervised learning, Unsupervised learning, Reinforcement learning, Forecasting, Fault detection |
| PSC21301 | Project Work Phase I | Project | 6 | Problem identification, Extensive literature survey, Methodology design, Preliminary results, Project proposal |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSC21401 | Project Work Phase II | Project | 10 | Detailed design, Implementation, Testing and evaluation, Data analysis, Thesis writing and defense |




