Microgrid Controllers

What is a microgrid control system?

A microgrid control system serves as the central intelligence of a microgrid, continuously monitoring connected energy sources and loads to balance supply and demand while maintaining system stability and power quality.

ComAp microgrid controllers integrate multiple technologies within a unified control platform, enabling seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded modes, advanced energy optimisation strategies and secure, reliable system supervision.

Integration of distributed energy resources 

ComAp microgrid controllers are power-source agnostic and enable seamless integration of diverse distributed energy resources, including:  

• Photovoltaic (PV) systems
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Wind turbines 
• Fuel cells 
• Diesel and gas gen-sets 

Frequently asked questions about microgrid controllers 

What is a hybrid microgrid controller?

A hybrid microgrid controller is a centralised control device that coordinates multiple energy sources — diesel generators, solar PV, battery storage, and wind — within a single microgrid. It optimises power dispatch, manages load distribution, and handles transitions between grid-connected and island mode. ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 and InteliNeo 5500 are hybrid microgrid controllers supporting multi-source coordination with seamless on-grid/off-grid switching.

What is a microgrid master controller?

A microgrid master controller is the top-level supervisory device that coordinates all generation, storage, and protection assets within a microgrid. It manages energy dispatch, frequency and voltage regulation, island-mode transitions, load shedding, and SCADA integration. ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 serves as a microgrid master controller managing up to 32 gen-sets alongside PV, BESS, and utility connections.

How does a hybrid microgrid controller manage solar and diesel generation?

A hybrid microgrid controller manages solar and diesel generation by monitoring PV output, load demand, and generator status in real time, then automatically adjusting the power mix to maximise fuel savings. It handles DG-PV synchronisation, reverse power protection, gen-set minimum loading, and solar curtailment. ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 and Extended Feature – PV Control manage solar-diesel hybrid systems with support for all major inverter brands via Modbus.

What is the difference between an on-grid and off-grid microgrid controller?

An on-grid microgrid controller operates in parallel with the utility grid, managing power import/export and grid code compliance. An off-grid controller operates independently, maintaining its own voltage and frequency reference. Many controllers, including ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 and InteliNeo 5500, support both modes with automatic seamless transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation.

What is a grid code compliant microgrid controller?

A grid code compliant microgrid controller meets the technical requirements set by utility operators for connecting distributed generation to the grid. Key standards include IEEE 1547-2018, EN 50549, and IEC 61850. Compliance typically requires voltage ride-through, frequency ride-through, reactive power control, and anti-islanding protection. ComAp’s InteliNeo 5500 and InteliNeo 6000 support configurable grid code compliance across multiple international standards.

What are the main components of a microgrid control system?

A microgrid control system consists of a central microgrid controller, individual asset controllers (for gen-sets, inverters, and batteries), protection and switchgear devices, communication infrastructure (Modbus, IEC 61850, OPC UA), and a monitoring platform (SCADA/HMI). ComAp provides integrated microgrid control systems using InteliNeo controllers, InteliGen gen-set controllers, InteliNeo 530 BESS, and InteliSCADA monitoring.

What is remote microgrid monitoring?

Remote microgrid monitoring is the ability to observe and control a microgrid’s performance from a remote location using IoT sensors, SCADA software, and communication networks (cellular, satellite, or Ethernet). It is essential for unmanned sites such as mining operations, island systems, and telecom towers. ComAp’s WebSupervisor provides cloud-based remote monitoring with real-time data, alarms, and parameter adjustment. InteliSCADA and InteliVision offer full on-premise SCADA capability.

How do you integrate solar PV with a diesel gen-set?

Integrating solar PV with a diesel gen-set requires a hybrid controller that manages DG-PV synchronisation, reverse power protection, gen-set minimum loading, and solar curtailment. The controller monitors both sources and adjusts the power mix to maximise fuel savings, typically achieving 20–60% reductions. ComAp’s Extended Feature – PV Control enables existing InteliGen installations to add solar management as a retrofit. For new systems, the InteliNeo 6000 provides full solar-diesel-BESS coordination.

What is a hybrid microgrid?

A hybrid microgrid is a localised electrical network combining two or more energy source types — typically diesel generators, solar PV, and battery storage — to provide reliable, efficient power. Core components include generation assets, energy storage, distribution switchgear, a microgrid controller, and a monitoring platform. ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 manages multi-source hybrid microgrids, with the InteliNeo 530 BESS for battery management and InteliSCADA for unified monitoring.

What is island mode operation in a power system?

Island mode operation occurs when a microgrid or facility disconnects from the utility grid and continues operating independently using its own generation. The microgrid controller opens the point of common coupling (PCC) breaker and transitions internal generation to grid-forming mode. Successful islanding requires sufficient on-site capacity, fast load shedding, and black-start capability. ComAp’s InteliNeo 6000 and InteliNeo 5500 provide seamless automatic transitions between grid-connected and island mode.