# Microgrid controller

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/microgrid-controller
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: MGC
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, IEEE / ANSI

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.

### Terms

- Rating: A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions](https://www.deif.com/applications/power-generation/reliable-hybrid-power-and-microgrid-solutions/)
- [Cerbo GX official product and documents](https://www.victronenergy.com/communication-centres/cerbo-gx)


## 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.

## Important distinction

A microgrid controller supervises the whole system; a genset or inverter controller controls one device.

## Facts

- Role: Supervisory dispatch and transitions
- Links: Communication to device controllers
- Preview: Independent educational illustration; not a product outline

## Public references

- [Reliable hybrid power and microgrid solutions](https://www.deif.com/applications/power-generation/reliable-hybrid-power-and-microgrid-solutions/) — DEIF. Public hybrid and microgrid control solution context.
- [Cerbo GX official product and documents](https://www.victronenergy.com/communication-centres/cerbo-gx) — Victron Energy. Public system monitoring and control centre documentation.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.