DG
Diesel generator set
A compression-ignition engine coupled to an alternator, shown as a source on microgrid and standby power single-line diagrams.
SLD
Symbols · GC
Genset controller
The device controller that starts, protects and synchronises a generating set and controls its breaker.
In plain English
What does Genset controller mean?
A genset controller starts and stops the engine, monitors engine sensors, provides generator protection functions and, in paralleling versions, synchronises the set and shares load with other sources. Automatic mains failure versions also monitor the utility supply and control the changeover.
A simple example
Single-line diagrams draw it as a block beside the generator with measurement inputs from generator CTs and VTs, a breaker close and trip connection and a communication link to the microgrid or power management controller. The protection functions it provides are often listed by device number.
What the drawings help you do
The block does not tell you whether it provides certified utility interface protection or only generator protection. It also does not show the governor and regulator interface, which may be analogue, digital or a communication link to the engine control unit.
This particular reference
The device controller that starts, protects and synchronises a generating set and controls its breaker. A genset controller handles one set; a microgrid controller coordinates many sources.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Single genset controllers for backup power · iE 250 controller documentation
SLD / Schematic · GC
What it represents
A genset controller starts and stops the engine, monitors engine sensors, provides generator protection functions and, in paralleling versions, synchronises the set and shares load with other sources. Automatic mains failure versions also monitor the utility supply and control the changeover.
Single-line diagrams draw it as a block beside the generator with measurement inputs from generator CTs and VTs, a breaker close and trip connection and a communication link to the microgrid or power management controller. The protection functions it provides are often listed by device number.
The block does not tell you whether it provides certified utility interface protection or only generator protection. It also does not show the governor and regulator interface, which may be analogue, digital or a communication link to the engine control unit.
How to read it
- Read the listed protection functions; they may not include interface protection.
- Check breaker control and synchronising connections.
Information to show or reference
- List protection and control functions.
- Show measurement and breaker connections.
- Reference governor and regulator interface.
A distinction that matters
A genset controller handles one set; a microgrid controller coordinates many sources.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Single genset controllers for backup power
Public single genset controller page describing start, stop and protection functions.
iE 250 controller documentation
Public controller documentation.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
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Synchronism check
Checks documented synchronising conditions before a permitted connection.
Protection functions
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
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