Greater energy resilience with hybrid power generation

Renewable energy and battery energy storage systems are quickly transforming traditional power systems from fossil-fuelled generation to a hybrid mix of resources. Our smart control solutions effectively integrate generators, renewables and energy storage to ensure the reliability of traditional power generation systems and, at the same time reduce energy costs, extend fuel supplies, reduce your environmental impact and provide greater energy resilience.

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Key features

Balanced Power Management
Advanced power management algorithm includes battery energy storage systems alongside gen-sets to ensure sufficient load reserve in the system without unnecessary curtailment of solar generation.

Load Sharing
ComAp load sharing of active and reactive power works seamlessly with any renewable energy source including all frequency and voltage regulations.

Extensive Control Options
Powerful built-in PLC interpreter with new functional blocks designed for meeting complex microgrid requirements quickly and easily.

Export Control with Grid Code Support
Grid code support in the controller provides additional protection for grid embedded microgrids where import/export control allows the site to operate without compromising grid stability.

Seamless Integration
Onboard Modbus client allows for brand agnostic approach for seamless integration of customer preferred solar inverters, BESS and weather sensors via TCP/IP or RS485 connection.

Optimised Energy Utilisation
The controller enables full integration and optimisation of solar generation and battery energy storage to suit different applications whether it's grid-connected or island-mode.

Advanced BESS Control

Our microgrid master controllers provide synchronising breaker control and protection in addition to supporting automatic transitions between BESS operating modes to allow operation in grid-supporting or grid-forming mode.

How it works

  • ON GRID WITH BESS
  • OFF GRID WITH BESS
  • ON & OFF GRID WITH BESS
    • ON GRID WITH BESS
    OFF GRID WITH BESS
    ON & OFF GRID WITH BESS

For on-grid applications, grid stability is paramount and our master controllers with grid code support provides an additional protection for embedded power generation and storage systems. With additional import and export control over solar and BESS, our controllers ensure that we can meet utility requirements with accuracy and simplicity. 

A
Renewable device generates power when natural resources are in abundance.
Power output is only curtailed to prevent battery overcharge, mains export and minimum loading on gen-sets.
B
Renewable device generates power when natural resources are in abundance.
Power output is only curtailed to prevent battery overcharge, mains export and minimum loading on gen-sets.
C
Generator only dispatched as a support system when renewable resources in storage do not have capacity to support load.
Demand dispatch service is also supported.
D
Battery utilised to firm microgrid, energy shift, support large load swings, and absorb excess renewable power generation.
Demand response and balancing services are also supported.
E
Power flow at point of common coupling managed in accordance with connection agreement, mains protection functions - including loss of supply - supported.

In off-grid applications, advanced BESS control allows our controller to perform peak shaving with PV generation to ensure efficient operation of gensets. If the BESS can operate in grid-forming mode, the controller supports 'diesel-off' mode by providing the appropriate precharge conditions for seamless transitions. 


Advanced microgrid system topologies requires perfect synchornisation and coordination between primary power and distributed energy resources. Our controllers operate as the master device to coordinate mains and gen-set controllers, along with balancing BESS and solar to ensure system stability and efficient operation. 


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Frequently Asked Questions about Hybrid Power Generation


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 a hybrid microgrid controller?

A hybrid microgrid controller is a centralised control device that coordinates multiple energy sources, including 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.


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, genset 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 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.


How do you integrate solar PV with a diesel genset?

Integrating solar PV with a diesel genset requires a hybrid controller that manages DG-PV synchronisation, reverse power protection, genset 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 are the main challenges of renewable energy integration?

The main challenges of renewable energy integration are output variability (solar and wind fluctuate with weather), reduced system inertia (inverters lack the rotational inertia of synchronous generators), grid congestion, and forecasting uncertainty. Solutions include battery storage for short-term balancing, flexible conventional generation, and advanced microgrid controllers. ComAp's InteliNeo 6000 and InteliNeo 530 BESS address these challenges through coordinated multi-source dispatch and fast-response storage.


What are distributed energy resources (DER)?

Distributed energy resources (DER) are small-scale energy generation or storage technologies located at or near the point of consumption. Common types include solar PV, wind turbines, battery energy storage systems (BESS), diesel generators, CHP units, and EV chargers. Standards such as IEEE 1547-2018 and FERC Order 2222 govern DER interconnection and market participation. ComAp's InteliNeo microgrid controllers coordinate DER assets within microgrid and hybrid power installations.

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