Layer 1 • Fastest
Device-Level Controls
Local inverter/generator logic that handles immediate electrical behavior.
- Voltage / frequency response behavior
- Current limits + ride-through settings
- Internal protection + safety logic
Control Strategies
Microgrid control strategy is the system’s operating philosophy—how DERs, loads, and control layers work together to meet performance goals under changing conditions.
A strong strategy does more than dispatch energy. It ensures the microgrid can operate safely across modes, respond instantly to disturbances, maintain stable power quality, and consistently deliver outcomes like resilience, cost savings, renewable maximization, and grid services.
This page highlights the most common microgrid control strategies, how they’re used, and the key design choices that determine stability, operability, and long-term success.
Why Control Strategy Matters
Microgrids are dynamic systems. Even with correctly sized DERs, performance can fail if control logic isn’t aligned with how the site actually operates.
- Operating modes (grid-connected vs islanded)
- DER capabilities and response characteristics
- Protection requirements and POI constraints
- Operator expectations and site priorities
Core Control Strategy Layers
Most microgrids rely on a layered control architecture. Each layer has a clear job—so decisions stay stable, fast actions stay local, and higher-level optimization doesn’t interfere with protection.
Layer 2 • Real-Time
Microgrid Controller
The “conductor” that coordinates assets in real time—especially during islanded operation.
- Mode transitions + synchronization
- Frequency / voltage stability coordination
- DER coordination in island mode
- Load shedding + restoration sequences
Layer 3 • Optimization
EMS
The planning layer—optimizes schedules, reserves, and targets based on forecasts and constraints.
- Cost + efficiency optimization
- SOC reserve strategy + dispatch targets
- Forecast-based schedules + constraints
Layer 4 • Supervision
SCADA
Visibility and supervision—operators see what’s happening and respond with confidence.
- Monitoring, alarms, historian trending
- Operator interface + event review
Common Microgrid Control Strategies
Widely used strategies—each optimized for different priorities. Pick the operating philosophy that matches your site goals, constraints, and risk tolerance.
Resilience
Renewables
Stability
Modern
Savings
Fuel
Compliance
1 Resilience-First Critical Load Continuity Strategy
Goal
Keep critical loads energized through outages with stable, predictable behavior.
Key characteristics
- Clear critical load definition + priority tiers
- SOC reserve targets maintained for outage readiness
- Dispatch rules protect survivability over economics
- Automatic islanding, load shedding, restoration sequences
Best for
- Hospitals, emergency services, critical infrastructure
- Defense sites and uptime-first facilities
Resilience
Predictable transitions
Critical-load tiers
2 Renewable-Led Max Renewable Usage Strategy
Goal
Maximize renewable energy use while maintaining stable operation.
Common behaviors
- PV prioritized whenever available
- BESS buffers variability (cloud events, ramps)
- Curtailment used when limits are reached
- Generators used as backup or minimum required support
Key considerations
- Strong transition logic + reserve margins
- Accounts for inverter behavior + protection limits
- Often depends heavily on SOC strategy + fast controls
Best for
- Sustainability-driven projects
- Sites targeting fuel savings + renewable penetration
PV first
Fast buffering
SOC discipline
3 Generator-Led Dispatchable Stability Anchor
Goal
Use dispatchable generation as the stability anchor—especially in islanded mode.
Common behaviors
- Generator(s) provide the primary frequency reference
- PV and BESS operate in support roles
- BESS handles fast response + load leveling
- Predictable stability prioritized over renewable maximization
Best for
- Remote microgrids and fuel-based systems
- Conservative, proven stability performance
- Systems with weaker inverter integration capability
Conservative
Proven stability
Gen reference
4 Battery-Led Grid-Forming BESS Strategy
Goal
Use the BESS inverter as the grid-forming source for islanded operation and transitions.
Typical functions
- BESS provides voltage + frequency reference in island mode
- Generators may start later for long-duration support
- PV follows the grid-forming source
- Fast response enables seamless transitions + strong power quality
Key design needs
- Clear SOC reserve strategy
- Black start planning + restoration sequencing
- Protection coordination for inverter-dominated operation
Best for
- Fast-transition microgrids
- Minimizing generator dependency
- Modern inverter-based architectures
Grid-forming
Seamless transitions
Power quality
5 Peak Shaving / Demand Limit Reduce demand charges
Goal
Reduce peak demand and demand charges through controlled dispatch.
Common approach
- BESS discharges during peak load windows
- Charging scheduled during low-demand periods
- Demand limit thresholds actively enforced
- Forecasting improves results (optional)
Key risk
- Over-optimization can erode SOC reserves if outage readiness isn’t protected
Best for
- Commercial & industrial facilities
- Sites with high demand charges + predictable peaks
Demand cap
Forecasting
SOC guardrails
6 Fuel Optimization Min generator runtime
Goal
Minimize generator runtime and fuel usage while maintaining performance.
Typical tools
- Generator sequencing + run-hour balancing
- Battery buffering for fast load changes
- PV prioritized to reduce runtime
- Efficiency-focused minimum load enforcement
Best for
- Remote and islanded microgrids
- Diesel-heavy systems with high fuel costs
Runtime reduction
Sequencing
Efficiency
7 Export-Limited / Non-Export POI compliance + self-consumption
Goal
Operate within utility export constraints while maximizing self-consumption.
Common control logic
- PV curtailment when export limits are reached
- BESS absorbs excess to prevent backfeed
- Dynamic limit enforcement at POI
- Compliance-focused anti-islanding coordination
Best for
- Strict interconnection constraints
- Behind-the-meter microgrids with limited export permissions
POI limits
Self-consumption
Compliance
Validation Requirements
Control strategies must be validated through engineering studies and testing. This page provides general educational guidance only—final strategies should be confirmed through the checklist below.
- Dynamic modeling and simulation
- Mode transition testing (grid-connected ↔ islanded ↔ reconnection)
- Protection and coordination studies aligned to control behavior
- FAT/SAT commissioning test procedures
- Field validation under realistic scenarios
- Utility coordination and compliance verification
