Control method and device for networking of energy storage equipment and Internet of Things accessories and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a control method and device for networking of energy storage equipment and accessories of the internet of things and electronic equipment, relates to the technical field of energy storage, and aims to solve the problem that dynamic balance between signal strength and system energy consumption cannot be realized due to the fact that a fixed single networking mode is adopted in related technologies. The energy storage equipment has an STA working mode and an AP working mode. The control method comprises the following steps: acquiring signal quality data between the Internet of Things accessory and an external wireless network; obtaining the residual electric quantity of the energy storage equipment; based on the signal quality data and the residual electric quantity, controlling the energy storage equipment to switch between an STA working mode and an AP working mode; wherein in the STA working mode, the energy storage device and the Internet of Things accessory are both accessed to an external wireless network, so that the energy storage device communicates with the Internet of Things accessory; wherein in the AP working mode, the Internet of Things accessory accesses a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage equipment so as to communicate with the energy storage equipment. According to the invention, the networking mode can be automatically adjusted according to the external network signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy storage technology, and more specifically, to a control method, apparatus, and electronic device for networking energy storage devices with Internet of Things (IoT) accessories. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid popularization of distributed photovoltaic (PV) and smart home technologies, balcony PV energy storage systems, as a miniaturized and home-based clean energy solution, are gradually becoming a core component of modern home energy management. These systems typically need to work in conjunction with various IoT (Internet of Things) accessories, such as CT meters (Current Transformer Electric Meters) for electricity metering, infrared meter readers for traditional meter data acquisition, and temperature and humidity sensors for environmental monitoring, to achieve real-time collection and intelligent management of power generation, electricity consumption, and environmental data. In this context, the ability to establish and maintain a stable communication connection between IoT accessories and the PV energy storage system has become crucial to the overall system performance.

[0003] Currently, common networking methods in this field mainly rely on two single modes: one is to connect all devices to a home router (i.e., external LAN mode), and the other is to network through hotspots created by the photovoltaic devices themselves (i.e., internal subnet mode). However, both of these static networking strategies have significant shortcomings:

[0004] Limitations of relying on home routers: When IoT accessories (such as CT meters installed in a corner of a balcony or near an outdoor location) are far from the home router or separated by multiple walls, the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity, a wireless communication technology) signal is prone to severe attenuation, resulting in unstable network connections, frequent disconnections, or data transmission packet loss, which directly affects the real-time performance and accuracy of energy monitoring.

[0005] Limitations of relying on the device's own hotspot: While creating a hotspot using photovoltaic devices can effectively solve the signal distance problem, maintaining the hotspot's operation continuously consumes valuable electrical energy from the energy storage battery. Especially when the battery's remaining charge (SOC, State of Charge) is low, this additional power consumption can significantly shorten the system's runtime and even jeopardize its core power supply functions.

[0006] Lack of intelligent switching and energy efficiency management mechanisms: Existing solutions cannot dynamically adjust networking strategies based on real-time scenarios. They cannot automatically select the optimal networking method based on the actual signal quality of IoT accessories and routers, nor can they combine the current power status of the energy storage system. This lack of flexibility makes it difficult for the system to balance network stability and operational energy efficiency in complex home environments.

[0007] Therefore, the industry urgently needs an IoT networking solution for balcony photovoltaic energy storage systems that can intelligently sense the communication environment and device status, dynamically adjust the networking mode accordingly, and automatically optimize power consumption in low-power scenarios, in order to fundamentally solve the challenges faced by existing technologies in terms of connection reliability and energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to at least solve the problem in related technologies that the use of a fixed single networking mode makes it impossible to achieve a dynamic balance between signal strength and system power consumption.

[0009] The first aspect of this invention is to provide a control method for networking an energy storage device and an Internet of Things (IoT) accessory. The energy storage device has a STA (Station) working mode and an AP (Access Point) working mode. The control method includes: acquiring signal quality data between the IoT accessory and an external wireless network; acquiring the remaining power of the energy storage device; and controlling the energy storage device to switch between the STA working mode and the AP working mode based on the signal quality data and the remaining power. In the STA working mode, both the energy storage device and the IoT accessory are connected to the external wireless network to enable communication between the energy storage device and the IoT accessory. In the AP working mode, the IoT accessory connects to a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with the energy storage device.

[0010] This invention proposes a core mechanism that uses two dimensions of parameters—"signal quality of IoT accessories and external network" and "remaining power of energy storage device"—as joint judgment conditions to dynamically control the switching of energy storage device between STA and AP working modes. This mechanism realizes a fundamental transformation from a single, fixed networking mode to an intelligent, adaptive networking mode, aiming to solve the problems of unstable signal and excessive power consumption simultaneously.

[0011] In the above technical solution, optionally, the step of controlling the energy storage device to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode based on signal quality data and remaining power includes: determining whether the signal strength between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network is strong or weak based on signal quality data and a preset signal quality data threshold; when the signal strength is strong, controlling the working mode of the energy storage device to STA working mode.

[0012] This technical solution clarifies the switching logic and specifically stipulates that when the signal quality is good (better than or equal to the threshold), the system should prioritize or maintain the STA working mode with lower power consumption. That is, the design principle of prioritizing energy saving when conditions permits is refined.

[0013] In the above technical solution, optionally, when the signal strength is weak, the remaining power is compared with a preset power threshold; if the remaining power is greater than the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to enter AP working mode; if the remaining power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to operate in STA working mode, and a prompt message is issued to adjust the position of the IoT accessory.

[0014] In this technical solution, when the signal quality is poor, the power level is used for secondary decision-making. When the power level is high, the system switches to AP working mode to ensure connection stability; when the power level is low, the system is forced to maintain STA working mode to ensure system battery life, and the system actively prompts the user to make up for possible connection problems.

[0015] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories further includes: monitoring the networking connection status between energy storage devices and IoT accessories; when the networking connection status is detected to be disconnected, the following steps are performed: determining the working mode of the energy storage device before disconnection; if it was in STA working mode before disconnection, controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network; if it was in AP working mode before disconnection, controlling the energy storage device to recreate the wireless hotspot.

[0016] This technical solution enhances the network connection's self-recovery capability in the event of a disconnection. By monitoring the connection status and performing targeted reconnection operations (reconnecting to the external network or rebuilding the hotspot) based on the operating mode before the disconnection, the system's robustness and user experience are significantly improved, reducing the need for manual intervention.

[0017] In the above technical solution, optionally, the step of controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network includes: repeatedly performing the reconnection operation within a preset number of times; if the connection is still unsuccessful after the preset number of times, generating and sending fault information to prompt for checking the network status.

[0018] In this technical solution, after failing to reconnect to the external network in STA working mode, a fault message is generated and sent after multiple failed attempts to prompt the user to check the network status, thereby reminding the user to check the network.

[0019] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories further includes: when the energy storage device is in AP working mode, controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to access the external wireless network at preset intervals; if both the energy storage device and IoT accessories successfully access the external wireless network, controlling the energy storage device to switch from AP working mode to STA working mode.

[0020] This technical solution incorporates a periodic back-switch detection mechanism. When the system operates in the high-power AP mode, it periodically and automatically attempts to revert to the more energy-efficient STA mode. This ensures that once external network conditions improve, the system can promptly return to the lowest-power networking state, achieving continuous optimization of system energy consumption.

[0021] In the above technical solution, the signal quality data may optionally include RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0022] In the above technical solution, the IoT accessories may optionally include one or a combination of the following: CT meter, infrared meter reading device, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor.

[0023] This technical solution clarifies the specific types of IoT accessories to which this control method is applicable.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control device for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories, comprising: an acquisition module for acquiring signal quality data between the IoT accessories and an external wireless network, and acquiring the remaining power of the energy storage device; and an execution module for controlling the energy storage device to switch between STA (Standard Operating Mode) and AP (Access Point) operating modes based on the signal quality data and the remaining power. In STA mode, both the energy storage device and the IoT accessories are controlled to connect to the external wireless network to enable communication between them. In AP mode, the IoT accessories connect to a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with it.

[0025] A third aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a program or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the control method for networking an energy storage device and an Internet of Things accessory as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect of the present invention are implemented. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1This is one of the control flowcharts for the control method of networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is the second control flowchart of the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is the third control flowchart of the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control device for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] in, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0033] 900 Control device for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories, 902 Acquisition module, 904 Execution module, 800 Electronic device, 802 Memory, 804 Processor. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0035] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] The present invention provides a control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories. The energy storage device has STA (Standard Operating Mode) and AP (Access Point) operating modes, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the control methods include:

[0037] S102: Acquire signal quality data between IoT accessories and external wireless networks;

[0038] S104: Obtain the remaining power of the energy storage device;

[0039] S106: Based on signal quality data and remaining power, control the energy storage device to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode; in STA working mode, both the energy storage device and IoT accessories are connected to an external wireless network to enable communication between the energy storage device and the IoT accessories; in AP working mode, the IoT accessories are connected to a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with the energy storage device.

[0040] The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories provided by this invention monitors the signal quality data between IoT accessories (such as CT meters, sensors, etc.) and external wireless networks (such as home Wi-Fi routers) in real time, and simultaneously obtains the current remaining power of the energy storage device. Based on these two key parameters, a comprehensive judgment is made to dynamically control the energy storage device to automatically switch between STA (Standard Operating System) and AP (Access Point) operating modes. This invention uses "signal quality" and "remaining power" as joint decision-making conditions to realize the transformation from a fixed networking mode to an intelligent adaptive networking mode, effectively solving the problems of signal instability and excessive power consumption in existing technologies, and improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the system.

[0041] In the above technical solution, optionally, the step of controlling the energy storage device to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode based on signal quality data and remaining power includes: determining whether the signal strength between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network is strong or weak based on signal quality data and a preset signal quality data threshold; when the signal strength is strong, controlling the working mode of the energy storage device to STA working mode.

[0042] In this technical solution, signal quality data can include parameters such as Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) or Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and a preset signal quality data threshold is used (e.g., an RSSI value greater than -65dBm or an SNR greater than 20dB is considered a strong signal). By comparing the real-time acquired signal quality data with the preset threshold, the system automatically determines the signal strength level between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network. When the signal strength is determined to be strong, it indicates that the IoT accessory can stably and directly access the external wireless network. At this time, the energy storage device is controlled to enter or remain in STA (Standard Operating Mode) mode, enabling both the energy storage device and the IoT accessory to communicate through the external wireless network. This design ensures that under good signal conditions, the system prioritizes the low-power STA mode, reducing the energy consumption of the energy storage device, extending its battery life, and maintaining a reliable network connection. This logic refines the intelligent decision-making process and highlights the design principle of prioritizing energy conservation when conditions permit.

[0043] In the above technical solution, optionally, when the signal strength is weak, the remaining power is compared with a preset power threshold; if the remaining power is greater than the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to enter AP working mode; if the remaining power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to operate in STA working mode, and a prompt message is issued to adjust the position of the IoT accessory.

[0044] In this technical solution, when the signal strength is determined to be weak (e.g., RSSI value below -75dBm or SNR below 10dB), the system further compares the remaining power of the energy storage device with a preset power threshold (e.g., 20% or 30% of battery capacity). If the remaining power is higher than the power threshold, it indicates that the energy storage device has sufficient energy reserves. At this time, the system controls the energy storage device to switch to AP working mode, that is, the energy storage device itself creates a wireless hotspot, and IoT accessories connect to this hotspot for communication, thereby avoiding data packet loss or connection interruption due to weak signal and ensuring the stability of data transmission. Conversely, if the remaining power is lower than or equal to the power threshold, it indicates that the energy storage device is in a low power state. In order to prioritize the core power supply function and battery life of the system, the system forcibly maintains STA working mode, and at the same time issues prompts through the user interface (such as a mobile APP, display screen, or sound alarm) to guide the user to adjust the position of the IoT accessories (e.g., move them closer to the router or remove obstacles) to improve signal quality. This secondary decision-making mechanism balances connection stability and system power consumption in the case of poor signal, avoids excessive power consumption caused by starting AP working mode when the battery is low, and makes up for potential connection problems through active user intervention.

[0045] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories further includes: monitoring the networking connection status between energy storage devices and IoT accessories; when the networking connection status is detected to be disconnected, the following steps are performed: determining the working mode of the energy storage device before disconnection; if it was in STA working mode before disconnection, controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network; if it was in AP working mode before disconnection, controlling the energy storage device to recreate the wireless hotspot.

[0046] In this technical solution, the system continuously monitors the networking connection status between energy storage devices and IoT accessories. When a connection loss is detected, the system automatically triggers a recovery process: First, it identifies the operating mode of the energy storage device before the disconnection (STA mode or AP mode). If it was in STA mode before the disconnection, it indicates that communication was previously conducted via an external wireless network. In this case, the system controls the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to reconnect to the external network (e.g., re-initiating authentication and connection requests). If it was in AP mode before the disconnection, it indicates that the energy storage device previously created the hotspot. In this case, the system controls the energy storage device to recreate the wireless hotspot (e.g., restarting the AP service) and notifies the IoT accessories to reconnect. This targeted reconnection mechanism based on the pre-disconnection mode significantly improves the system's self-healing capability and robustness, reduces the need for manual intervention due to temporary network fluctuations or device restarts, ensures the continuous stability of the network, and thus enhances the user experience.

[0047] In the above technical solution, optionally, the step of controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network includes: repeatedly performing the reconnection operation within a preset number of times; if the connection is still unsuccessful after the preset number of times, generating and sending fault information to prompt for checking the network status.

[0048] In this technical solution, when attempting to reconnect to an external wireless network in STA working mode, the system will perform the reconnection operation cyclically within a preset number of times (e.g., 3 or 5 times). An interval (e.g., 5 seconds or 10 seconds) can be set between each retry to avoid network congestion. If the system still fails to connect to the external network after the preset number of retries, it generates and sends fault information. This information may include the specific error type (e.g., "authentication failed," "weak signal," or "router failure") and notifies the user to check the network status through various channels (e.g., app push notifications, SMS, or local alerts), such as verifying router settings, restarting the router, or adjusting the device location. This retry mechanism, combined with fault notifications, increases the probability of connection recovery and ensures that users are promptly informed and can take action in the event of a persistent fault, further enhancing system reliability and user experience.

[0049] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories further includes: when the energy storage device is in AP working mode, controlling the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to access the external wireless network at preset intervals; if both the energy storage device and IoT accessories successfully access the external wireless network, controlling the energy storage device to switch from AP working mode to STA working mode.

[0050] In this technical solution, when the energy storage device is in AP (Access Point) mode, the system automatically controls the energy storage device and IoT accessories to attempt to connect to an external wireless network at preset intervals (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour) to detect whether signal conditions have improved. Specifically, the energy storage device temporarily switches to STA (Standard Access Point) mode to scan for and attempt to connect to the external network, while the IoT accessories also attempt to connect directly to the external network. If both successfully connect to the external wireless network (e.g., signal quality data exceeds a threshold and authentication is successful), the system controls the energy storage device to switch back from AP mode to STA mode and shuts down the hotspot it created. This periodic switchback detection mechanism ensures that the system can promptly return to the more energy-efficient STA mode when external network conditions recover, thereby continuously optimizing system energy consumption, extending the usage time of the energy storage device, maintaining network flexibility, and achieving proactive energy management.

[0051] Optionally, in the above technical solution, the signal quality data includes RSSI value or signal-to-noise ratio.

[0052] In this technical solution, signal quality data may specifically include Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) values ​​or Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The RSSI value reflects the strength of the received wireless signal, typically expressed in negative dBm (the closer the value is to 0, the stronger the signal); the SNR represents the ratio of signal to noise, expressed in dB (the higher the value, the better the signal quality). The system determines signal strength by periodically collecting these parameters (e.g., sampling every 5 seconds) and comparing them to preset thresholds. For example, setting the RSSI threshold to -70dBm, a strong signal is considered when RSSI ≥ -70dBm, otherwise weak; or setting the SNR threshold to 15dB, a strong signal is considered when SNR ≥ 15dB. Based on these specific parameters, the control logic can accurately assess network conditions, thereby making reasonable mode switching decisions to ensure network stability and energy efficiency.

[0053] In the above technical solution, the IoT accessories may optionally include one or a combination of the following: CT meter, infrared meter reading device, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor.

[0054] In this technical solution, IoT accessories can include, but are not limited to, various smart devices such as CT meters (for current monitoring), infrared meter reading devices (for remote meter reading), temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. These accessories typically communicate with energy storage devices or external networks via Wi-Fi protocols to achieve data acquisition and control. This control method is applicable to scenarios with a combination of various IoT accessories. For example, in a home photovoltaic energy storage system, the CT meter monitors photovoltaic power generation, the temperature sensor monitors ambient temperature, and intelligent networking ensures real-time data transmission and processing. This broad applicability allows the invention to flexibly address different application needs, improving the overall system integration and intelligence level.

[0055] Specifically, the intelligent control logic described above in this invention can be implemented through a specific operational process, which is typically triggered upon system power-on or application (APP) initialization. Therefore, the detailed steps of one embodiment of this invention are described below. Figure 2 As shown:

[0056] S202: Start the system;

[0057] S204: APP query for photovoltaic main unit and IoT device;

[0058] In this step, the mobile app, acting as both the user interface and system status display, sends query requests to the photovoltaic (PV) main unit and IoT devices (such as CT meters) in the network. The purpose of these queries is to obtain the system's current real-time status, including but not limited to: the PV main unit's remaining power (SOC) and operating mode, as well as signal strength data (such as RSSI values) collected by the IoT devices between the PV main unit and the external router. This step provides the necessary data foundation for subsequent intelligent decision-making.

[0059] S206: Determine the network topology; if it is in STA working mode, then execute S208; if it is in AP working mode, then execute S210.

[0060] This step is the system's initial decision point. The system can make a judgment based on the host's own logic or the APP's judgment based on collected data to determine the appropriate network topology. If it is STA working mode, the process jumps to S208; if it is AP working mode, the process jumps to S210.

[0061] S208: Connect the photovoltaic power unit and IoT devices to a home router;

[0062] This step involves the specific execution of the STA (Standard Operating Mode) working mode. The system controls the photovoltaic (PV) main unit and all IoT accessories to connect to the same external home router's Wi-Fi network. In this mode, all devices are on equal footing, exchanging data through the router. The PV main unit does not need to create a hotspot, thus saving its own power consumption. After this step is successfully executed, the system enters a stable STA working mode.

[0063] S210: Controls IoT devices to connect to photovoltaic hotspots for networking;

[0064] This step demonstrates the specific execution of the AP (Access Point) working mode. The system controls the photovoltaic (PV) host to activate its wireless access point (AP) function, creating a specific wireless hotspot. Subsequently, the system instructs all IoT accessories to disconnect from the home router and connect to this hotspot created by the PV host. In this way, all data communication occurs directly between the PV host and the IoT accessories, without relying on an external router, thus resolving the connection instability issue caused by long signal distances.

[0065] S212: Acquires SOC and signal strength;

[0066] This step involves continuous data monitoring. Regardless of the system's networking state (S208 or S210), key parameters are periodically collected (e.g., every 5 minutes). These parameters primarily include the remaining power (SOC) of the energy storage device and the signal strength (specifically RSSI value in this embodiment) between the IoT device and the home router. This real-time data serves as the direct basis for triggering dynamic mode switching.

[0067] S214: Determine if SOC ≥ 30%; if yes, proceed to S216; otherwise, proceed to S218.

[0068] This step is the primary safety check in the intelligent switching logic. The system compares the collected SOC value with a preset power safety threshold (set to 30% in this embodiment). This threshold aims to protect the energy storage device by prioritizing core power supply functions when the power is low. If the power is sufficient (SOC ≥ 30%), the process proceeds to S216; if the power is insufficient or low (SOC < 30%), the process jumps to S218 to force the execution of a low-power strategy in order to save power.

[0069] S216: Determine if RSSI ≥ -70dBm; if yes, proceed to S220; otherwise, proceed to S222.

[0070] This step determines the signal quality. When the system has sufficient power, this step decides the optimal networking method. The system compares the collected RSSI value (Received Signal Strength Indicator) with a preset signal quality threshold (-70dBm in this embodiment). RSSI ≥ -70dBm indicates good signal strength, sufficient to support a stable STA working mode connection, and the process jumps to S220; conversely, RSSI < -70dBm indicates a weak signal, posing a risk of unstable connection, and the process jumps to S222, preparing to switch to a more stable AP working mode.

[0071] S218: Force the adoption of STA working mode and shut down the photovoltaic hotspot; then execute S224 and S230 simultaneously;

[0072] This step is a protective strategy under low power conditions. When the SOC is less than 30%, regardless of signal strength, the system will force the system to adopt or remain in the lower power consumption STA operating mode. Simultaneously, if the system was previously in AP operating mode, it will proactively shut down the hotspot created by the photovoltaic master to immediately stop this additional power consumption. After forced execution, the system enters the connection status monitoring loop S224 on one hand, and executes S230 in parallel on the other, sending a prompt to the APP.

[0073] S220: Adopt STA working mode; then execute S224;

[0074] This step corresponds to a situation where the signal strength is good (RSSI ≥ -70dBm) and the battery is sufficient (SOC ≥ 30%). The system confirms that it is adopting or maintaining STA operating mode. This means that the PV host and IoT devices will continue or re-attempt networking through the home router. This is an optimal low-power stable state, and the process then enters the connection status monitoring loop S224.

[0075] S222: Adopt AP working mode; then execute S224;

[0076] This step corresponds to a situation where the signal strength is weak (RSSI < -70dBm) but the battery is sufficient (SOC ≥ 30%). To ensure the stability of the data connection, the system decides to switch to or maintain the AP operating mode. The IoT device will connect to the hotspot created by the photovoltaic host. Although this mode consumes more power, the system prioritizes communication reliability due to sufficient battery power. Subsequently, the process also enters the connection status monitoring loop S224.

[0077] S224: Monitor network status;

[0078] S226: Determine if the network status is disconnected; if yes, proceed to S228; if no, proceed to S224.

[0079] This step is a continuous connection health monitoring loop. The system continuously checks whether the network connection between the photovoltaic main unit and the IoT device remains normal. If the connection is stable, this step is executed repeatedly for continuous monitoring; once a connection loss is detected, the fault recovery process is immediately triggered, and the process jumps to S224.

[0080] S228: Retry STA operating mode or restart the photovoltaic hotspot;

[0081] This step is the self-recovery mechanism after a connection loss. The system first determines the operating mode before the disconnection. If it was in STA (Standalone) mode before the disconnection, it controls the photovoltaic power unit and IoT devices to attempt to reconnect to the home router (this may include a limited number of retry attempts). If it was in AP (Access Point) mode before the disconnection, it controls the photovoltaic power unit to restart its Wi-Fi hotspot function and notifies the IoT devices to reconnect.

[0082] S230: Send a notification to the APP.

[0083] This step involves proactive interaction between the system and the user. Under certain circumstances, the system will generate a prompt message and send it to the user's mobile app via the network. The prompt message may include phrases like "Battery is low, forced switch to power saving mode to ensure power supply. Please check the location of IoT devices to ensure stable signal," thereby informing the user of the system status and possible actions, improving the user experience. This step can also be used in S226 to send a fault alarm after multiple failed retries.

[0084] The beneficial effects of this invention are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

[0085] 1. Significantly Improved Network Stability. By introducing an intelligent switching mechanism between STA and AP modes, the system can automatically select the optimal network path based on the communication environment. When IoT accessories are close to the home router and have a good signal, they preferentially use the STA working mode to access the external LAN; however, when the signal is weak due to the accessory's remote location, it automatically switches to the AP internal networking mode initiated by the photovoltaic device. This dynamic adaptation strategy fundamentally overcomes the connection interruption and data packet loss problems caused by Wi-Fi signal attenuation, effectively ensuring the continuity and reliability of energy data monitoring and device control links.

[0086] 2. System power consumption is effectively optimized. The system innovatively incorporates the remaining state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage battery into the grid-based decision-making logic, achieving refined energy consumption management. When the system detects that the battery level has dropped to a low point (e.g., SOC < 30%), it automatically shuts down the high-power AP operating mode and forces a switch to or maintains the low-power STA operating mode, thereby significantly reducing the system's own operating energy consumption. This mechanism ensures that the core power supply function of the photovoltaic energy storage system is prioritized during power shortages, effectively extending the continuous operating time of the equipment in off-grid or emergency situations.

[0087] 3. Convenient and intuitive user experience. Relying on the accompanying mobile app, the entire process, from automatic device discovery and one-click network configuration to real-time monitoring of operational status, is conveniently managed. Users do not need professional network knowledge to easily complete system deployment and management, greatly reducing the barrier to entry for home users and enhancing the product's ease of use and user-friendliness.

[0088] 4. Excellent system compatibility and scalability. The system is designed to support various types of IoT accessories (including but not limited to CT meters, infrared meter reading heads, temperature and humidity sensors, etc.) and has the ability to flexibly expand the number of networked devices. This allows the system to adapt to the diverse energy monitoring and management needs of different households, and reserves ample space for future integration of more smart devices, demonstrating good ecological adaptability.

[0089] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a specific network control method for a balcony photovoltaic energy storage system.

[0090] In this embodiment, the balcony photovoltaic energy storage system (hereinafter referred to as the "photovoltaic host") needs to be stably networked with surrounding IoT accessories (including CT meters, infrared meter reading heads, and temperature and humidity sensors). This method uses a mobile app as the configuration and interaction medium, achieving fully automated management from initial configuration and intelligent switching to anomaly recovery. The specific implementation process is as follows: Figure 3 As shown:

[0091] S302: System initialization and device query.

[0092] After the system starts up, the photovoltaic (PV) host enters the network-ready state. Simultaneously, the user opens the accompanying mobile app. The app automatically discovers nearby PV hosts and IoT accessories (such as CT meters) to be connected via LAN scanning or Bluetooth broadcasting, and generates a list of connectable devices on the app interface, providing the user with a clear device selection interface.

[0093] S304: Flexible configuration and selection of networking modes.

[0094] Users select the network mode through the APP interface. The specific configuration logic is as follows:

[0095] The STA+ routing network configuration is as follows:

[0096] The app sends a "STA working mode start command" to the photovoltaic (PV) main unit, which then switches to STA working mode. The user enters the home router's SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password through the app, enabling the main unit to connect to the external local area network (LAN). Simultaneously, the app sends a "connect to home router command" to selected IoT accessories (such as CT meters). These accessories connect to the home router using the same SSID (e.g., home Wi-Fi) and password provided by the app. After configuration, the PV main unit and all IoT accessories are on the same external LAN and interact with each other via the router.

[0097] The AP's internal networking configuration is as follows:

[0098] The app sends an "AP working mode start command" to the photovoltaic (PV) host, which switches to AP working mode and starts its own WiFi hotspot. This hotspot has a preset SSID and initial password (e.g., 12345678, which the user can change later via the app). The app then sends a "connect to PV AP hotspot command" to the IoT accessory, which directly connects to the hotspot created by the PV host using the SSID and initial password provided by the app. After configuration, the PV host and the IoT accessory form an independent internal subnet and communicate directly.

[0099] S306: Intelligent mode switching based on dual-parameter conditions.

[0100] During operation, the photovoltaic (PV) main unit collects two key parameters in real time: the signal strength between the IoT accessory and the home router (based on RSSI value) and the remaining charge (SOC value) of the PV main unit's energy storage battery. Based on these parameters, the system executes the following automatic switching logic:

[0101] When SOC ≥ 30% (with sufficient battery power, stability is the priority):

[0102] If the signal strength is good (RSSI≥-70dBm), maintain or switch to STA+ routing networking mode to achieve stable and low-power networking using the home router.

[0103] If the signal strength is weak (RSSI < -70dBm), it will automatically switch to the AP's internal networking mode, using the photovoltaic equipment's own hotspot to avoid the problem of poor external signal and ensure network stability.

[0104] When SOC < 30% (low battery, prioritize battery life), the system automatically shuts down the AP working mode and forces a switch to or maintains the STA+ routing networking mode to save power to the maximum extent.

[0105] If a poor signal causes IoT accessories to fail to connect stably to the router, the mobile app will push a notification to the user, such as "The system battery is low and has entered power-saving mode. Weak signal detected from the CT meter; it is recommended to move it closer to the router or charge the system to restore optimal network configuration." This ensures the core power supply function while guiding the user to resolve the problem.

[0106] S308: Network status monitoring and anomaly self-recovery.

[0107] The system continuously monitors the network connection status (e.g., via a heartbeat mechanism), and immediately initiates a self-recovery process once a connection loss is detected.

[0108] If the device was in STA (Stationary Access Mode) mode before disconnection, it will automatically attempt to reconnect to the home router. If three consecutive retries fail and the current SOC (State of Charge) is ≥30%, the system will automatically switch to AP (Access Point) mode and rebuild the connection. If the device was in AP mode before disconnection, it will automatically restart the AP hotspot of the solar panel and notify IoT accessories to reconnect.

[0109] All important network status changes, such as mode switching, connection anomalies and recovery, will be pushed to users in real time via the mobile app, allowing users to keep track of the system's operating status at any time.

[0110] To make the technical solution of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below through a coherent home application scenario and in combination with three typical cases.

[0111] Application scenario overview:

[0112] In the user's home, the balcony photovoltaic energy storage system (referred to as "PV host") is installed on the balcony and needs to be networked with a CT meter to monitor PV power generation data. The home router is located in the living room.

[0113] 1. Initial state: Stable low-power networking under good signal conditions (STA working mode).

[0114] Initially, the CT electricity meter was installed on the inner wall of the balcony, approximately 5 meters from the living room router, and without any obstructions. At this time:

[0115] After the mobile app was launched, it automatically scanned and detected the photovoltaic energy storage unit and CT meter on the balcony.

[0116] Users select the "STA + Router Networking" mode via the app. The app then sends a STA working mode command to the photovoltaic control unit, and the unit successfully connects to the home LAN; simultaneously, the app instructs the CT meter to also connect to the same router.

[0117] After the system started up, the photovoltaic main unit detected that the RSSI value of the signal strength between the CT meter and the router was -55dBm (better than the threshold of -70dBm), and the remaining power (SOC) of the main unit's own energy storage battery was 60% (higher than the threshold of 30%). The system therefore determined that the current environment was excellent and maintained the STA working mode.

[0118] In this mode, the CT meter can transmit power data to the photovoltaic host in real time and stably through the home router, and then the host displays it to the user through the APP. The entire network is stable with no data packet loss, and the power consumption of the photovoltaic host remains at a low level.

[0119] 2. Environmental changes: Automatic switching and stability assurance under signal attenuation (AP working mode).

[0120] Subsequently, the user moved the CT meter to a device box outside the balcony, increasing the distance between it and the living room router to approximately 15 meters, with a wall obstructing the view. The system's dynamic response at this point is as follows:

[0121] The photovoltaic main unit detected that the RSSI value reported by the CT meter dropped significantly to -85dBm (below the threshold of -70dBm), while the main unit's SOC was 50% (still above 30%).

[0122] Based on the intelligent switching logic, the system immediately takes action: the photovoltaic main unit automatically switches to AP working mode and starts its own WiFi hotspot. At the same time, the main unit sends a notification to the user via the APP: "Weak signal, automatically switched to AP working mode."

[0123] The app then instructs the CT meter to disconnect from the home WiFi and instead connect to the photovoltaic control unit's hotspot.

[0124] After switching the networking mode, the CT meter and the photovoltaic host establish direct and stable short-range communication. The communication latency has been significantly reduced from 200ms to 50ms, and the data transmission success rate has been restored to 100%, effectively solving the networking instability problem caused by poor external WiFi signal.

[0125] 3. Energy Alarm: Policy adjustment and user collaboration under low power conditions (forced STA working mode).

[0126] Suppose a user has not used the photovoltaic system for an extended period, causing the energy storage battery's SOC to drop to 25% (reaching the low charge threshold of <30%). In this case, the system prioritizes ensuring continued operation.

[0127] The photovoltaic main unit automatically shuts down the AP working mode and forces a switch back to the STA working mode, and pushes a notification to the user via the APP: "The system power is low, and it has entered energy-saving mode and shut down the device hotspot. Currently, only STA networking is supported."

[0128] Because the CT meter was still located in the outer equipment box with a weak signal (RSSI=-85dBm), it could not stably connect to the home router. After detecting the connection failure in STA mode, the photovoltaic control unit automatically retried 3 times. After all 3 retries failed, the app pushed more specific instructions to the user: "The CT meter signal is weak and cannot connect. Please adjust the meter's position closer to the router, or charge the photovoltaic system to restore the AP working mode and stabilize the network."

[0129] Following the prompts, the user selects to charge the photovoltaic system. When the SOC recovers to 35% (≥30%), the system automatically reassesses the environment: it detects that the CT meter signal is still very weak (RSSI=-85dBm), so it automatically switches back to AP working mode and quickly restores stable networking with the CT meter.

[0130] like Figure 4 As shown, a second aspect of the present invention provides a control device 900 for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories, comprising: an acquisition module 902, used to acquire signal quality data between the IoT accessories and an external wireless network, and to acquire the remaining power of the energy storage device; and an execution module 904, used to control the energy storage device to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode based on the signal quality data and the remaining power; wherein, in STA working mode, both the energy storage device and the IoT accessories are controlled to access the external wireless network and communicate; in AP working mode, the IoT accessories access a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with the energy storage device.

[0131] like Figure 5 As shown, the third aspect of the present invention provides an electronic device 800, including: a memory 802 and a processor 804. The memory 802 stores a program or instructions, and when the program or instructions are executed by the processor 804, they implement the steps of the control method for networking energy storage devices and Internet of Things accessories as described in any of the technical solutions of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0132] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one embodiment or example.

[0133] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for networking energy storage devices and Internet of Things (IoT) accessories, characterized in that, The energy storage device has a STA operating mode and an AP operating mode, and the control method includes: Obtain signal quality data between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network; Obtain the remaining power of the energy storage device; Based on the signal quality data and the remaining power, the energy storage device is controlled to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode; In the STA working mode, both the energy storage device and the IoT accessory are connected to the external wireless network to enable communication between the energy storage device and the IoT accessory. In the AP operating mode, the IoT accessory connects to a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with the energy storage device.

2. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the energy storage device to switch between STA operating mode and AP operating mode based on the signal quality data and the remaining power includes: Based on the signal quality data and a preset signal quality data threshold, determine whether the signal strength between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network is strong or weak. When the signal strength is strong, the operating mode of the energy storage device is controlled to be STA operating mode.

3. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the signal strength is weak, the remaining battery power is compared with a preset battery power threshold. When the remaining power is greater than the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to enter AP working mode. When the remaining power is less than or equal to the power threshold, the energy storage device is controlled to operate in STA working mode, and a prompt message is issued to adjust the position of the IoT accessory.

4. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the networking connection status between the energy storage device and the IoT accessory; When the network connection status is detected as disconnected, the following steps are performed: Determine the operating mode of the energy storage device before disconnection; If the device was in the STA working mode before disconnection, the energy storage device and the IoT accessory are controlled to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network. If the device was in the AP operating mode before disconnection, the energy storage device is controlled to recreate the wireless hotspot.

5. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of controlling the energy storage device and the IoT accessory to attempt to reconnect to the external wireless network includes: The reconnection operation will be performed repeatedly within a preset number of attempts. If the connection is still unsuccessful after the preset number of attempts, a fault message will be generated and sent to prompt the user to check the network status.

6. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the energy storage device is in the AP working mode, at preset intervals, the energy storage device and the IoT accessory are controlled to attempt to connect to the external wireless network. If both the energy storage device and the IoT accessory successfully connect to the external wireless network, the energy storage device is controlled to switch from the AP working mode to the STA working mode.

7. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal quality data includes RSSI value or signal-to-noise ratio.

8. The control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories according to claim 1, characterized in that, The IoT accessories include one or a combination of the following: CT meter, infrared meter reading device, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor.

9. A control device for networking energy storage equipment with Internet of Things (IoT) accessories, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire signal quality data between the IoT accessory and the external wireless network, and to acquire the remaining power of the energy storage device; An execution module is used to control the energy storage device to switch between STA working mode and AP working mode based on the signal quality data and the remaining power. In the STA working mode, both the energy storage device and the IoT accessory are controlled to connect to the external wireless network so that the energy storage device and the IoT accessory can communicate. In the AP operating mode, the IoT accessory connects to a wireless hotspot created by the energy storage device itself to communicate with the energy storage device.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A memory and a processor, the memory storing a program or instructions that, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the control method for networking energy storage devices and IoT accessories as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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