Portable electric vehicle (ev) charging station configured for regulatory parking compliance

Abstract

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 support structure for supporting a solar array of a portable electric vehicle charging station which requires no installation, construction or electrical work, and which comprises:
 a rectangular shaped base plate with a peripheral edge having a length L and a width W for compliance with jurisdictional parking space requirements, and wherein the base plate has a top surface and a bottom surface and defines a horizontal reference line on the top surface;   a solar array mounted on the base plate;   a tracking mechanism for reorienting the solar array to maintain the solar array above the base plate, and through an azimuthal angle θ, and through an elevation angle ϕ in accordance with a preprogrammed protocol; and   a motorized unit connected with the tracking mechanism for moving the solar array in accordance with the preprogrammed protocol to maintain the solar array above the base plate without encroaching into an adjacent parking space.   
     
     
         2 . The charging station of  claim 1  wherein the base plate has a first end and a second end separated from each other by the length L, and a first side and a second side with each side extending between the first end and the second end of the base plate and separated from each other by the width W, and wherein an arrangement of reinforcing bars comprises:
 a central reinforcing bar positioned to extend through the center of the base plate between the first and second ends and parallel to the first and second sides of the base plate; and 
 a lateral reinforcing bar positioned to extend through the center of the base plate between the first and second sides perpendicular to the first and second sides of the base plate. 
 
     
     
         3 . The charging station of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a first pair of angled reinforcing bars, wherein each angled reinforcing bar in the first pair extends respectively from the center of the base plate toward the first end of the base plate on opposite sides of the horizontal reference line at a respective angle ±ψ from the horizontal reference line; and 
 a second pair of angled reinforcing bars, wherein each angled reinforcing bar in the second pair extends respectively from the center of the base plate toward the second end of the base plate on opposite sides of the horizontal reference line at a respective angle ±ψ from the horizontal reference line. 
 
     
     
         4 . The charging station of  claim 1  wherein the solar array has a plurality of solar panels with photovoltaic cells for converting solar energy into electricity, and wherein the charging station further comprises a column having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is affixed to the edge of the base plate to position the upper end of the column at a predetermined height h above a predetermined area on the top surface of the base plate, wherein the solar array is mounted on the upper end of the column, and wherein the predetermined area includes the center of the base plate. 
     
     
         5 . The charging station of  claim 4  wherein each reinforcing bar is a rectangular prism oriented to maximize its bending reaction to wind loads and forces caused by operational movements of the solar array. 
     
     
         6 . The charging station of  claim 1  wherein the preprogrammed protocol reorients the solar array through an azimuthal angle θ and an elevation angle ϕ to maintain the solar array in an orientation wherein sunlight is always incident normal to the solar array. 
     
     
         7 . The charging station of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a storage battery located at the charging station and connected to the solar array for receiving electricity therefrom; 
 a control unit connected with the solar array and with the storage battery, wherein the control unit monitors a flow of electricity from the storage battery as electricity is dispensed to an electric vehicle; and 
 an emergency power panel connected to the control unit to allow a dispensing of electricity from the storage battery upon demand.