GC
Genset controller
The device controller that starts, protects and synchronises a generating set and controls its breaker.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · MGC
Microgrid controller
The supervisory controller that dispatches sources, storage and loads and manages islanding and reconnection of a microgrid.
In plain English
What does Microgrid controller mean?
A microgrid controller coordinates the sources, storage and controllable loads within a microgrid. It sets operating points for inverters and gensets, maintains spinning reserve, sheds and restores load, and manages transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation, including black start and resynchronisation.
A simple example
On single-line diagrams it is shown as a control block, often at the side of the drawing, with dashed communication lines to each controlled breaker, inverter, genset controller and meter. Architecture drawings show it in more detail, including the communication protocols and the hierarchy of controllers below it.
What the drawings help you do
The block does not reveal how fast the controller acts or which functions run locally in device controllers instead. Protection must never rely on the supervisory controller alone, so check that each device has its own protection independent of the communication link.
This particular reference
The supervisory controller that dispatches sources, storage and loads and manages islanding and reconnection of a microgrid. A microgrid controller supervises the whole system; a genset or inverter controller controls one device.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions · Cerbo GX official product and documents
SLD / Schematic · MGC
What it represents
A microgrid controller coordinates the sources, storage and controllable loads within a microgrid. It sets operating points for inverters and gensets, maintains spinning reserve, sheds and restores load, and manages transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation, including black start and resynchronisation.
On single-line diagrams it is shown as a control block, often at the side of the drawing, with dashed communication lines to each controlled breaker, inverter, genset controller and meter. Architecture drawings show it in more detail, including the communication protocols and the hierarchy of controllers below it.
The block does not reveal how fast the controller acts or which functions run locally in device controllers instead. Protection must never rely on the supervisory controller alone, so check that each device has its own protection independent of the communication link.
How to read it
- Dashed lines from the block are signal or communication links, not power paths.
- Identify which functions remain local if communication fails.
Information to show or reference
- List controlled devices and signals.
- Show communication links and protocols.
- Reference operating modes and fallback behaviour.
A distinction that matters
A microgrid controller supervises the whole system; a genset or inverter controller controls one device.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions
Public hybrid and microgrid control solution context.
Cerbo GX official product and documents
Public system monitoring and control centre 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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