Portable electric vehicle (EV) charging station configured for regulatory parking compliance
A structure for supporting the solar array or other source of renewable energy for a portable electric vehicle charging station includes a base plate dimensioned for jurisdictional compliance with local space requirements for a parking lot and which can accommodate a vehicle parked on the base plate. When deployed, the solar array is positioned above the base plate. Structurally, the base plate is rectangular, with a length L and a width W. A central reinforcing bar is positioned on the base plate perpendicular to the ends and midway between the sides of the base plate. A lateral reinforcing bar extends midway between the ends and perpendicular to the sides of the base plate. Angled reinforcing bars can be added to extend between the central reinforcing bar and the lateral reinforcing bar at respective angles ±ψ. Reinforcing bars are configured to maximize bending reaction to wind loads on the solar array.
1 . A portable station for charging an electric vehicle which comprises:
a base plate having a width and length each dimensioned to fit between, and not extend into a drive aisle beyond, parking lines defining a parking space in a parking lot, whereby the parking space and all adjacent parking spaces remain fully available for receiving vehicles;
a column extending from the base plate and having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is affixed to the base plate;
a solar array connected to the upper end of the column to position the solar array at a height above the base plate to accommodate the electric vehicle on the base plate and within the parking space to electrically charge the electric vehicle;
a component compartment disposed at the upper end of the column, the component compartment including a storage battery connected to the solar array and a control unit connected to the battery and the solar array; and
a charger for the electric vehicle, the charger disposed on or near the lower end of the column, the charger connected to the battery and the control unit, whereby the control unit is configured to dispense electricity from the storage battery to the charger upon the charger being connected to the electric vehicle; wherein the portable station is self-contained having no electrical connection to a local grid, and no construction connection to the parking space.
2 . The portable station of claim 1 , wherein no battery is positioned below the component compartment.
3 . The portable station of claim 2 , wherein an upper surface of the base plate is planar and receives the electric vehicle.
4 . The portable station of claim 1 , wherein the base plate is set within the parking space without any installation requirement and/or construction activity at the parking space.
5 . The portable station of claim 1 , wherein the base plate provides all ballast, structural support, and stability in the parking space for the portable station.
6 . The portable station of claim 1 , further comprising:
a tracking mechanism connected to the solar array; and
a motorized unit mounted at the upper end of the column, wherein the motorized unit is electrically connected to the tracking mechanism for reorienting the solar array in accordance with a preprogrammed protocol.
7 . The portable station of claim 6 , wherein the preprogrammed protocol reorients the solar array to maintain the solar array in an orientation wherein sunlight incident on the solar array is optimized.