MGC
Microgrid controller
The supervisory controller that dispatches sources, storage and loads and manages islanding and reconnection of a microgrid.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · PPC
Power plant controller
The plant-level controller that measures at the connection point and sets inverter or turbine outputs to meet grid requirements.
In plain English
What does Power plant controller mean?
A power plant controller measures voltage, current, active and reactive power at the plant connection point and adjusts setpoints of all inverters or turbines to meet the network operator's requirements. Typical functions include active power limits, ramp rates, frequency response, voltage or reactive power control and power factor control.
A simple example
Drawings show a control block with measurement inputs from the connection point CTs and VTs, a communication network to each inverter or turbine, and a link to the network operator's control system. A meter at the point of connection is usually the measurement source.
What the drawings help you do
The controller's response speed is slower than the inverter internal controls, so fast events are still handled by the devices themselves. The symbol does not show control modes, settings or the response time agreed with the network operator.
This particular reference
The plant-level controller that measures at the connection point and sets inverter or turbine outputs to meet grid requirements. A power plant controller manages one generating plant at its connection point; a microgrid controller also manages loads and islanding.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Rating
- A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
Read the source: Solar electrical system architecture · Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions
SLD · PPC
What it represents
A power plant controller measures voltage, current, active and reactive power at the plant connection point and adjusts setpoints of all inverters or turbines to meet the network operator's requirements. Typical functions include active power limits, ramp rates, frequency response, voltage or reactive power control and power factor control.
Drawings show a control block with measurement inputs from the connection point CTs and VTs, a communication network to each inverter or turbine, and a link to the network operator's control system. A meter at the point of connection is usually the measurement source.
The controller's response speed is slower than the inverter internal controls, so fast events are still handled by the devices themselves. The symbol does not show control modes, settings or the response time agreed with the network operator.
How to read it
- Measurement comes from the connection point, not individual inverters.
- Communication dashed lines show the setpoint path.
Information to show or reference
- List control modes and the measurement point.
- Show communication to each unit.
- Reference agreed performance settings.
A distinction that matters
A power plant controller manages one generating plant at its connection point; a microgrid controller also manages loads and islanding.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Solar electrical system architecture
Public solar plant architecture context.
Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions
Public hybrid plant control context.
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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