METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR RANGE TESTING MOCK DEVICES USING MESH TOPOLOGY

Methods and systems for range testing mock devices using mesh topology are provided herein. For example, a method for range testing mock devices using mesh topology comprises supplying power to a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system, adding the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol, positioning the plurality of mock devices in a location where the plurality of actual devices will be installed, and triggering a range test via a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Indian Provisional Application Serial No. 202211059067, filed on Oct. 17, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to distributed energy generation systems and, for example, to methods and apparatus for range testing mock devices using mesh topology.

Description of the Related Art

An energy management system provides an innovative solution to a main panel upgrade (MPU) by connecting additional photovoltaics (PVs) and storage system(s) to a smart switch (microgrid interconnect device (MID)), e.g., as opposed to the main panel, thus avoiding the MPU for whole home and subpanel backup systems. With respect to whole home backup, for example, the smart switch is connected between the utility meter and the main panel with an over current protection device that limits the amount of current that can flow to the main panel, thus avoiding the MPU. For the subpanel backup, an installer can move as much load circuits from the main panel to the sub-panel.

Additionally, range testing is a known feature that can be used to determine an ideal location to install one or more devices that are part of the energy management system, e.g., a battery, range extender, microinverter, a local controller, gateway, etc.). During range testing, for example, conventional methods/apparatus can measure signal strength of a mesh topology (e.g., Zigbee, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc.) between the one or more devices using communication kits as substitute devices (e.g., one or more mock devices) for the one or more actual devices. Range testing helps an installer determine whether the one or more actual devices will be able to communicate with each other before installing the one or more actual devices in their preferred location.

Therefore, there is a need for methods and apparatus for range testing mock devices using mesh topology.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and apparatus for range testing mock devices using mesh topology. For example, methods for range testing mock devices using mesh topology comprise supplying power to a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system, adding the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol, positioning the plurality of mock devices in a location where the plurality of actual devices will be installed, and triggering a range test via a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium has instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor perform a method for range testing mock devices using mesh topology. For example, the method comprises supplying power to a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system, adding the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol, positioning the plurality of mock devices in a location where the plurality of actual devices will be installed, and triggering a range test via a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween.

In accordance with at least some embodiments, a system for range testing mock devices using mesh topology can comprise a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system and a processor inoperable communication with the plurality of mock devices and configured to add the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol and trigger a range test via a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise methods and apparatus for range testing mock devices using mesh topology. For example, a method for range testing mock devices using mesh topology for installing one or more actual devices of an energy management system can comprise supplying power to a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system, adding the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol, positioning the plurality of mock devices in a location where the plurality of actual devices will be installed, and triggering a range test via a second wireless protocol different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween. The methods and apparatus described herein help a user to quickly and efficiently determine if one or more actual devices are able to communicate with each other before installing (and/or powering) the one or more actual devices in their preferred location within an energy management system, thus, reducing time and effort required to install the one or more actual devices (e.g., unboxing, wall fixing, connecting, etc.), which can increase installations and revenue for a company.

FIG.1is a diagram of a backup configuration supported by an energy management system100, in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In at least some embodiments, the energy management system100can be provided as a kit. For example, for grid-tied PV only, for grid-tied PV and storage, and/or for a grid-agnostic energy management systems, one or more of the PVs, one or more batteries (e.g., a single-phase (SP) battery and/or a three-phase (3P) battery), a smart switch, a combiner/gateway, cables and/or accessories can be provided in the kit. Additionally, two main breakers for a supply side and a load side connection of the smart switch, and circuit breakers for connection of PVs and storage systems can also be provided in the kit.

Continuing withFIG.1, in at least some embodiments, the energy management system100comprises one or more electronic devices. In at least some embodiments, the one or more electronic devices can comprise a storage system108, a smart switch110(e.g., transfer switch), a combiner107including a wireless adaptor, which can be a USB dongle that connects to a communication gateway, one or more PVs106(e.g., solar panels), and a tertiary control112(e.g., cloud-based tertiary control using application programming interface (API)), which can provide over-the-air firmware upgrade.

The PVs106can be coupled in a one-to-one correspondence to a plurality of power converters, which can be a bi-directional power converter. The plurality of power converters convert DC power received from a corresponding PV and the storage system108to grid-compliant AC power and couple the generated AC power to the main load panel104via the smart switch110. The main load panel104couples the generated power to one or more appliances (one or more loads) and/or a power grid, such as a local power grid or a commercial power grid. In other embodiments, the power converters may be coupled to the appliance(s), grid, and/or a local controller without the use of the main load panel104.

The combiner107can connect/communicate with the smart switch110and the storage system108via a wireless connection (or wired connection, such as an AC power wire) and with the Internet and/or cloud via Wi-Fi or cellular connections. For example, the combiner107comprises the communication gateway to which the wireless adaptor connects and communicates with the smart switch110, the storage system108, and the Internet and/or cloud. The combiner107connects to the PVs106and can communicate with the PVs106via a power line communication (PLC) over an AC power wire, and the other components of the energy management system100can connect to each other via the AC power wire. For example, the combiner107may retrieve data from the power converters, send commands to the power converters, and perform similar functions with respect to the PVs106.

The combiner107can comprise a memory111that comprises one or more forms of non-transitory computer readable storage medium including one or more of, or any combination of, read-only memory or random-access memory. The memory111stores software (e.g., instructions) and data including, for example, an operating system, a servicing module, a communications module and data. The operating system may be any form of operating system such as, for example, Apple iOS, Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, Android or the like. The servicing module may be software that, when executed by a processor113, is capable of installing one or more devices of the energy management system100, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure described herein. The communication module may be software that, when executed by the processor113, enables communication between the combiner107and one or more devices of the energy management system100. A combiner that is suitable for use with the energy management system100is the IQ® line of combiners available from Enphase Energy, Inc., from Petaluma, California.

In at least some embodiments, the energy management system100ofFIG.1can be configured as a whole home backup (or partial home backup and subpanel backup) with the smart switch110of the energy management system100located at a service entrance (e.g., connected to a meter105which is connected to a utility grid101). A user can back up a main load panel104(e.g., Siemens MC3010B1200SECW or MC1224B1125SEC, GE 200 Amp 20/40, and the like), which connects to one or more loads103(e.g., critical loads or backup loads). In such an embodiment, the smart switch110can support up to an 80 A breaker for the PVs106connected to the combiner107(e.g., PV combiner, (solar)) and an 80 A breaker for a battery storage circuit (e.g., for the storage system108). When an existing combiner107is connected to the main load panel104, a user can keep the combiner107connected to the main load panel104, connect only the storage system108to the smart switch110, and the space in the smart switch110for the combiner107can be left vacant and used for additional battery storage.

The storage system108is part of the energy management system100and is configured to participate in grid services, such as capacity and demand response. The storage system108is durable NEMA type3R outdoor rated. The storage system108is configured as a modular AC-coupled battery storage system with time-of-use (ToU) and backup capability, which allows for easy installation.

Additionally, the storage system108connects to the smart switch110and the combiner107and is configured to provide backup power when installed in a home or at a site. The storage system108includes one or more of a SP battery (120V) or a 3P battery (240V) (e.g., three SP batteries connected to each other, hereinafter 3P battery), which include corresponding internal microinverters, that are connected to (or integrated with) the PVs106. The storage system108can be configured to detect when it is optimal to charge or discharge the SP battery and/or the 3P battery so that energy can be stored therein when energy is abundant and used when scarce.

Moreover, the storage system108is configured to self-protect against low state of charge (e.g., <1%) of battery packs, or cell voltages remaining in extreme low warning region. For example, the storage system108is configured to shut down an AC bus and/or DC bus to prevent cell discharge of the SP battery and/or the 3P battery when required.

In embodiments, the storage system108is configured to send notification alerts via, for example, the combiner107to a user. The notification, for example, can be suitable text indicating that the state of charge of the cells of the SP battery or the 3P battery are low, e.g., very low state of charge of the battery cells. Other text can also be used to alert a user. The alerts can also be available to a user and/or a technician or customer service representative to enable proactive appropriate preventive measures to avoid damage to the SP battery and/or the 3P battery. Moreover, the storage system108includes suitable energy reserve to self-protect against extremely low state of charge of battery cells of the SP battery and/or the 3P battery due to self-discharge losses of the storage system, e.g., for at least seven days after a notification is sent to a user, technician, and/or customer service representative. In at least some embodiments, the storage system108is configured to allow a user to set a remaining state of charge for each day.

FIG.2is a flowchart of a method200for range testing mock devices using mesh topology for installing one or more actual devices of the energy management system ofFIG.1, andFIGS.3-8are diagrams of screen shots corresponding to the method ofFIG.2, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The method200can be implemented using one or more computing devices, such as smart devices (e.g., a smart phone, iPad®, laptop, personal computer, etc.). For illustrative purposes, the method200is described in conjunction with a smart phone that is communicatively connectable to the one or more mock devices, the one or more actual devices, and/or the tertiary control112as described in more detail below.

For example, at202, the method200comprises supplying power to a plurality of mock devices corresponding to a plurality of actual devices in an energy management system. For example, during an installation process, a user (e.g., installer, technician, etc.) can power up a plurality of mock devices that correspond to a plurality of actual components (e.g., the storage system108, the combiner107, the PVs106including the corresponding inverters, the smart switch110, and a generator109, when used) of the energy management system100. The plurality of mock devices can be configured to communicate with each other via one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., Zigbee, BT, BLE, and the like.

Next, at204, the method200comprises adding the plurality of mock devices to a range test list via a first wireless protocol (e.g., BLE). For example, as shown in the screen shot300ofFIG.3, in at least some embodiments, the method200can comprise displaying on a display of the smart phone one or more selectable areas301so that the user can add each of the plurality of mock devices. For example, adding the plurality of mock devices to the range test list can comprise scanning each of the plurality of mock devices. In at least some embodiments, for example, a user can scan, using a camera of the smart phone, indicia (e.g., a barcode) on the plurality of mock devices. The indicia can correspond to a serial number or a name of a corresponding one of the plurality of actual devices (e.g., at least one of a rechargeable battery, a gateway, or a range extender. For example, when a mock device corresponds to the combiner107and the indicia is scanned, the method200can comprise displaying each of the plurality of mock devices (e.g., the combiner107) on a display of an electronic device (e.g., the smart phone) and assigning to the plurality of mock devices at least one of a serial number of the actual device or a name of the actual device (see302, for example).

After the plurality of mock devices have been added at204, the method200can comprise configuring the added plurality of mock devices (see screen shots400and500ofFIGS.4and5, respectively). For example, the user can connect via the first wireless protocol to the plurality of mock devices (see401, for example). In at least some embodiments, the method200can comprise displaying a selectable area for adding available mock devices discovered while configuring the plurality of mock devices and/or a selectable area for adding selected available mock devices (see402and502, respectively). The method200can also comprise displaying configured mock devices and providing an indication that the configured mock devices can be positioned in a location corresponding to an actual device (see601of screen shot600ofFIG.6).

For example, at206, the method200comprises positioning the plurality of mock devices in a location where the plurality of actual devices will be installed. For example, in at least some embodiments, a user can position the plurality of mock devices in the locations corresponding to the storage system108, the combiner107, and the smart switch110, etc.

Next, at208, the method200comprises triggering a range test via a second wireless protocol (e.g., Zigbee) different than the first wireless protocol to determine if the plurality of mock devices have communication therebetween (see701of screen shot70ofFIG.7). For example, at208, the plurality of mock devices transmit test signals to each other via Zigbee to determine if the mock devices have adequate communication therebetween.

Next, in at least some embodiments, the method200can comprise after triggering the range test, displaying a result of the range test on a display of an electronic device, such as displaying at least one of a pass or fail indication, and strength of a test signal for each of the plurality of mock devices (see801of screen shot800ofFIG.8). Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the results can be transmitted to a device/system for storage. For example, the results can be transmitted to the tertiary control112or another storage device.

After all of the plurality of mock devices receive a pass indication, a user can position the plurality of actual devices in their corresponding positions and use them as intended.

FIG.9is a block diagram of a mock device900for installing one or more actual devices of the energy management system ofFIG.1, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. One or more of the components of mock device900may also be a component of the actual devices of the energy management system (e.g., the storage system108, the smart switch110, the combiner107, the one or more PVs106(e.g., solar panels), and the tertiary control112.

The mock device900includes a bus910, a processor or processor920, a memory930(or storage, e.g., non-transitory computer readable storage medium), an input/output interface950, a display960, and a communication interface970. At least one of the above-described components may be omitted from the mock device900or another component may be further included in the mock device900.

The bus910may be a circuit connecting the above-described components920,930,950,960, and970and transmitting communications (e.g., control messages and/or data) between the above-described components.

The processor920may include one or more of a central processing units (CPU), an application processor (AP), and a communication processor (CP). The processor920can control at least one of the other components of the mock device900and/or processing data or operations related to communication.

The memory930may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. The memory930can store data or commands/instructions related to at least one of the other components of the mock device900. The memory930can store software and/or a program module940(e.g., instructions for performing the method200). For example, the program module940may include a kernel941, middleware943, an API945, application947(or applications, e.g., software-based application for performing the method200). The kernel941, the middleware943or at least part of the API945may be called an operating system.

The kernel941can control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus910, the processor920, the memory930, etc.) used to execute operations or functions of other programs (e.g., the middleware943, the API945, and the applications947). The kernel941provides an interface capable of allowing the middleware943, the API945, and the applications947to access and control/manage the individual components of the mock device900.

The middleware943may be an interface between the API945or the applications947and the kernel941so that the API945or the applications947can communicate with the kernel941and exchange data therewith. The middleware943is capable of processing one or more task requests received from the applications947. The middleware943can assign a priority for use of system resources of the mock device900(e.g., the bus910, the processor920, the memory930, etc.) to the application947. The middleware943processes one or more task requests according to a priority assigned to at least one application program, thereby performing scheduling or load balancing for the task requests.

The API945may be an interface that is configured to allow the applications947to control functions provided by the kernel941or the middleware943. The API945may include at least one interface or function (e.g., instructions) for file control, window control, image process, text control, or the like. For example, during the method200, the API945allows the applications947to display one or more user interfaces that allow a user to navigate, for example, through one or more screens to enter information associated with the method200.

The input/output interface950is capable of transferring instructions or data received from a user or external devices to one or more components of an electronic device (e.g., one or more of the components of the energy management system100). The input/output interface950is capable of outputting instructions or data, received from one or more components of the mock device900, to the user or external devices. The input/output interface950can be configured to create one or more GUIs for receiving a user input or an input from an electronic device (e.g., a user smart phone).

The display960may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flexible display, a transparent display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) display, an electronic paper display, etc. The display960can display various types of content (e.g., texts, images, videos, icons, symbols, etc.). The display960may also be installed with a touch screen, e.g., screens shots ofFIGS.3-8) for receiving touches, gestures, proximity inputs or hovering inputs, via a stylus pen, or a user's body. Accordingly, the display950can be used to receive a user input on one or more GUIs.

The communication interface970can establish communication between the mock device900and an external device (e.g., electronic device of the energy management system100) connected to a network via wired or wireless communication.

Wireless communication may employ, as cellular communication protocol, at least one of long-term evolution (LTE), LTE advance (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), and global system for mobile communication (GSM). Wireless communication may also include short-wireless communication922. Short-wireless communication922may include at least one of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), BT, BLE, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), etc. Wired communication may include at least one of universal serial bus (USB), high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard, and plain old telephone service (POTS). The network may include at least one of a telecommunications network, e.g., a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or WAN), the Internet, and a telephone network.

While the methods disclosed herein have been described with reference to one or more devices (mock/actual) associated with an energy management system, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, the methods described herein can also be used for installing a host of internet of thing (IoT) devices in general, e.g., home security, field-based air-pollution sensors, water quality sensors, and so on. The mock devices described herein can be used to determine optimal communication of any of the IoT devices.