Charging structure

Abstract

A charging structure including: a plurality of panels coupled to a frame surrounding a power distribution facility; a roof panel fastened to the plurality of panels, thereby substantially enclosing the power distribution facility; and a charging device having a charging cable supported on an outer surface of a panel of the plurality of panels, the charging device being electrically connected to a distribution board of the power distribution facility within an area substantially enclosed by the charging structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a charging structure. In one non-limiting example, the charging structure is configured to charge an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] As electric vehicles, such as electric cars and electric bicycles, become more popular, there is an increasing need for the installation of charging stations, especially in public locations where users may need to recharge their electric vehicles. Installing charging stations can be costly. For example, electric vehicles must be charged using high-voltage charging infrastructure, which is most efficient when it is direct current (DC) fast charging. DC fast charging infrastructure is generally costly to install due to the requirements needed to connect this infrastructure to the grid.

[0003] Any reference herein to any prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or publicly known matter is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an acknowledgment or admission, or any form of suggestion, that the prior publication (or information derived therefrom) or publicly known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this application pertains. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a charging structure including a plurality of panels coupled to a frame surrounding an electrical distribution facility, a roof panel fastened to the plurality of panels thereby substantially enclosing the electrical distribution facility, and a charging device having a charging cable supported on an outer surface of a panel of the plurality of panels, the charging device being electrically connected to a distribution board of a substation or electrical transformer within an area substantially enclosed by the charging structure.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the frame is fastened to a support frame of the electrical distribution equipment via a number of mounting brackets. In certain embodiments, the plurality of panels includes one or more door panels hingedly connected to the frame to allow access to electrical distribution equipment substantially enclosed within the charging structure.

[0006] In certain embodiments, each door panel includes a plurality of vents. In certain embodiments, the plurality of panels includes an electronic display panel, and the content is presented by the electronic display panel in response to user interaction with the charging device.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the panel that supports the charging cable has an outward-facing front wall and side walls, the charging cable is supported on the front wall of the corresponding panel, and the side wall of the corresponding panel is positioned adjacent to the electronic display panel.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the sum of the width of the side wall of the panel that supports the charging cable and the width of the electronic display panel is substantially equal to the width of the front wall of the panel that supports the charging cable and a door panel of the one or more door panels.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the charging structure further includes a computing device in electrical communication with the one or more display panels, the computing device controlling the display of content by the one or more display panels.

[0010] In certain embodiments, charging The structure includes an electrical equipment compartment disposed between the roof panel and the roof surface of the electrical distribution facility, the electrical equipment compartment housing a charger assembly of the charging device, the charger assembly being supported on an exterior surface of the charging structure. charging Electrically connected to the cable.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the charging structure includes or is coupled to a wireless communication device, and the computing device is configured to receive content from a remote server processing system via the wireless communication device.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the charging station includes a battery configured to provide power to one or more electrical panels for presenting content in response to insufficient power provided by a distribution panel of a substation or electrical transformer.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the battery comprises one or more electronic display When used to power the panel, the computing device may be configured to display one or more content indicating electrical disturbances currently occurring in the portion of the power grid of which the electrical transformer or substation forms a part. electronic It is configured to control a display panel.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the charging structure further includes a camera device that protrudes outwardly from the charging structure, and video captured by the camera is received by the computing device and stored in memory.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the roof panel includes a plurality of elongated vents for providing ventilation to one or more display panels. In certain embodiments, the roof panel includes multiple hoist points to allow the charging structure to be lifted from around the electrical distribution facility.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the roof panel includes one or more bevels to facilitate the escape of debris and / or water through one or more conduits that form part of the frame. In certain embodiments, the one or more sloped surfaces include a pair of major sloped surfaces for facilitating the outflow of water and / or debris, each major sloped section extending from a central portion of the roof panel toward one or more apertures in the roof panel that communicate with a corresponding one or more conduits that form a portion of the frame.

[0017] In certain embodiments, one or more of the beveled surfaces include a pair of upwardly facing end surfaces, each of which is adjacent to a corresponding major beveled surface and has an opposite slope to the corresponding adjacent major beveled surface.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the charging device is charging A cable storage mechanism is included for storing the cable. In another aspect, a method of installing a charging structure around an electrical distribution facility is provided, the method including: positioning a frame around a periphery of the electrical distribution facility; coupling a plurality of panels to the frame, wherein a charging device having a charging cable is supported on an outer surface of a panel of the plurality of panels; fastening a roof panel to the plurality of panels to enclose the electrical distribution facility; and electrically connecting the charging device to a distribution board of a substation or electrical transformer within an area substantially enclosed by the charging structure.

[0019] In certain embodiments, positioning the frame around the periphery includes fastening mounting brackets to a support frame of the electrical distribution equipment, the frame being attached to the mounting brackets.

[0020] Other aspects and embodiments will be appreciated throughout the description of each example. Exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following description of at least one preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, given by way of example only and described in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a charging structure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the charging structure of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 2 is an opposite side view of the example charging structure of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an end view of the charging structure of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example charging structure with the door panel open to access electrical distribution equipment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the charging structure of FIG. 1 with the roof removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of a charging structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the charging structure of FIG. 7 with the door panel open. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of the charging structure of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 8 is an opposite side view of the charging structure of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 11] 8 is an end view of the charging structure of FIG. 7 with the panel supporting the charging cable open. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of a charging structure with the roof removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 8 is a system diagram illustrating the connections between the electrical components of the charging structure of FIGS. 1 and 7. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view of a further example of a charging station. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a first end view of the charging station of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a first side view of the charging station of FIG. 14 . [Figure 17] 15 is a second side view opposite the first side view of the charging station of FIG. 14. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the charging station of FIG. [Figure 19] 15 is a second end view opposite the first end view of the charging station of FIG. 14. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another example of a charging station. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the charging station of FIG. 20 with the doors and panels open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following embodiments, given by way of example only, are described to facilitate a more accurate understanding of the subject matter of one or more preferred embodiments. In the figures incorporated to illustrate features of the exemplary embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0023] Referring to the figures, several examples of charging structures 100 are shown. The charging structure 100 includes a plurality of panels 110, a roof panel 120, and a charging device 130. The plurality of panels 110 are coupled to a frame 160 that surrounds an electrical distribution facility 1000, such as an electric kiosk, a transformer, or a substation. The roof panel 120 is fastened to the plurality of panels 110, thereby substantially enclosing the electrical distribution facility 1000. The charging device 130 has a charging cable 136 supported on an outer surface of one of the plurality of panels 110, and the charging device 130 is electrically connected to a distribution board 1010 of the electrical distribution facility 1000 within the area 200 substantially enclosed by the charging structure 100.

[0024] Advantageously, by installing charging structure 100 around existing electrical distribution equipment 1000, high voltage DC power suitable for recharging electric vehicles, such as electric cars and electric bicycles, is available without requiring the installation of new electrical infrastructure as described above. Charging structure 100 increases the speed and efficiency with which chargers can be deployed, while also improving safety and ease of use, allowing utility-scale infrastructure to be deployed in suitable locations.

[0025] The charging device 130 may be electrically connected to the electrical distribution equipment by creating a weatherproof conduit on the side of the outer casing of the electrical distribution equipment. chargingThe cables are routed and terminated in a distribution panel of the power distribution facility 1000 within the casing of the power distribution facility 1000. In one form, the charging device 130 may be a Delta wall-mounted DC 25 kW EV charger available from NHP or a Veefil-RT ​​50 kW DC fast charger available from Tritium. It should be understood that other chargers may be utilized. In one form, the charging structure 1000 may include multiple charging devices 130 to enable simultaneous charging of multiple electric vehicles.

[0026] 6 and 9, the frame 160 is fastened via mounting brackets to a support frame in the form of a base plate 200 that supports the electrical distribution equipment 1000. In particular, the mounting brackets are fastened with bolts. With particular reference to FIG. 12, the frame 160 includes a plurality of hollow struts 165 that form corner posts of the frame 160. The struts 165 provide structural support to the panels 110 coupled to the frame 160, while also functioning as downspouts that provide conduits for removing debris and / or water that may collect on the roof panel 120. As shown in FIG. 12, the frame 160 further includes a plurality of horizontal frame members 164 that extend between the corner posts 165. The struts 165 are coupled to mounting brackets that are coupled to the base plate.

[0027] 1 to 12, a plurality of panels 110 are attached around the periphery of a frame 160 to enclose the case of the power distribution equipment. The plurality of panels 110 can be coupled to the frame 160 using fastening means such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc.

[0028] As can be seen in some figures, the plurality of panels 110 includes one or more door panels 115 hingedly connected to the frame 160 to allow an operator 2000 access to the substantially enclosed electrical distribution equipment 1000 within the charging structure 100. The door panels 115 may be mounted adjacent to one another along the longitudinal sides of the frame 160. However, in other embodiments where circumstances may prevent hinged doors 115 from being hingedly mounted to the longitudinal sides of the frame 160, at least one of the door panels 115 may be mounted on a shorter side of the frame. When multiple door panels 115 are mounted to the frame 160, the door panels may be hingedly mounted to both ends of the frame 160 to allow access into the charging structure 100 from both ends rather than from one of the longer sides. While the examples shown in FIGS. 7-11 show the charging structure 100 including multiple hinged doors, such as two adjacently mounted doors, it is also possible that the charging structure may include only one door. In the example where two doors are mounted adjacent to each other, the double door hinges allow the doors of the door panel to open more than 90 degrees to provide access to the facility 1000.

[0029] Because electrical distribution equipment generates heat, at least some of the panels 110 may include a plurality of vents 117. In one form, the plurality of vents 117 in each panel may be provided in the form of a perforated mesh or screen structure.

[0030] The plurality of panels 110 may also include an electronic display panel 140, with content presented by the electronic display panel 140 in response to user operation of the charging device 130. For example, the content may include instructions for operating the charging device 130. The electronic display panel 140 includes a frame having an electronic screen 148 coupled thereto. The frame of the electronic display panel 140 may be attached to a frame 160 of the charging structure 100. Preferably, the electronic screen 148 extends substantially from a bottom edge of the electronic display panel 140 to the roof panel 120.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 11 , charging structure 100 includes an electrical equipment compartment 180 disposed between roof panel 120 and the roof surface of electrical distribution facility 1000. Electrical equipment compartment 180 houses computer device 1330 and a charger assembly of charging device 130. The charger assembly is supported on the exterior surface of charging structure 100. charging It is electrically connected to cable 136. Additionally, electrical equipment compartment 180 may house the charging structure's distribution board 1310, secondary (backup) power source 1320, and electrical protection equipment (not shown).

[0032] 13 , a computing device 1330 is in electrical communication with an electronic screen 148 of an electronic display panel 140. The computing device 1330 is configured to control the display of content by one or more display panels 140. The computing device 1330 may include a processor 1332, a memory 1334, and an input / output (i / o) interface 1336 coupled together via a bus 1338. The computing device 1330 is electrically coupled to the screen 148 of the electronic display panel 140 via the i / o interface 1336. The computing device 1330 includes or is coupled to an i / o interface that connects to a communications module 1340, such as a wireless modem. The computing device 1330 has a computer program stored in non-transitory memory 1334, which includes executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the computing device to control the presentation of content via the electronic screen 148 of the electronic display panel 140.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least some of the content presented via electronic screen 148 is stored locally in memory 1334 of computer device 1330. For example, at least some of the content represents operating instructions presented to a user of charging structure 100 when operating charging device 130. In one embodiment, charging device 130 is in electrical communication with computing device 1330, and in response to a charging cable being withdrawn from a retractable cable mechanism supported on an outer surface of one of multiple panels 110, an electrical signal is transmitted from charging device 130 to computing device 1330, and in response to computing device 1330 receiving the signal, computing device 1330 retrieves the content stored in local memory and controls the presentation of the content via electronic screen 148 of electronic display panel 140. In an additional or alternative embodiment, computing device 1330 may retrieve the content from local memory 1334 in response to user input via one or more input devices. In one form, the electronic screen 140 may be a touch-sensitive screen, where a user may interact with the touch screen 148 to provide input, and in response to detecting a touch event, the processor 1332 of the computing device 1330 retrieves content from local memory to be presented to the user via the electronic screen 148.

[0034] In another aspect, the content may indicate a safety message. For example, content conveying a safety message may indicate when one or more charging devices 130 are available or unavailable. Additionally or alternatively, the content may also indicate electricity pricing information.

[0035] In one form, at least some of the content presented via electronic screen 148 is received from remote server processing system 5000 via wireless communication device 1340. In one form, the content may be pushed or pulled from remote server processing system 5000. In one form, the content may be advertising content presented by computing device 1330 when charging device 130 is not being operated by a user. In response to computing device 1330 detecting user operation of charging device 130, computing device 1330 may switch the presentation of content via electronic screen 148 from advertising content to instructional content related to the safe operation of charging device 130.

[0036] The charging structure 100 may further include a secondary power source 1320 separate from the power provided by the power distribution facility 1000 via the corresponding distribution board 1100. In particular, the secondary power source 1320 may be provided in the form of a rechargeable battery, such as an uninterrupted power supply (UPS). The battery 1320 may be electrically coupled to the distribution board 1310 via a charging assembly that charges the battery. The battery 1320 may be configured to charge one or more corresponding electronic devices in response to insufficient power provided by the distribution board of the facility 1000. display The battery 1320 is configured to provide power to one or more electronic screens 148 of the panel 140. For example, the power grid of which the facility 1000 is a part may experience a power outage such that one or more electronic screens 148 are unable to receive power from the distribution board 1100 of the facility 1000 during the power outage. In response to the power outage, the battery 1320 may power one or more electronic screens 148 so that content may be presented during the power outage. displayThe battery 1320 is used to power one or more electronic screens 148 of the panel 140. During a power outage, the computing device 1330 is also in electrical communication with the battery 1320. In one form, content presented via the one or more electronic screens 148 during a power outage may be received from a remote server processing system 5000 and indicate the power outage. Alternatively, upon detecting a power outage, the computing device 1330 can receive power outage content from the server processing system 5000, which is then presented via the one or more electronic screens during the power outage. The power outage content may indicate the area experiencing the power outage and an estimated restoration time. Additionally or alternatively, general power outage content may be presented that simply indicates that the corresponding facility 1000 is not receiving power from the power grid. The general power outage content may be presented until custom power outage content is received from the server processing system 5000.

[0037] 2 and 7, a panel 131 supporting a charging cable has an outwardly facing front wall 133 and a side wall 135. Thus, the panel 131 has wall portions 133, 135 extending perpendicular to each other. A charging cable 136 is supported on the front wall 133 of each panel 131 via a cable storage mechanism (not shown). In particular, charging The cable 136 is pulled out from the cable storage mechanism to couple the charging connector to the electric vehicle, and when the charging connector is disconnected from the electric vehicle, charging The cable 136 can be automatically retracted into the housing of the cable retraction mechanism. As shown in Figure 11, the panel 131 that supports the charging cable 136 is hingedly connected to the frame 160 to allow access and maintenance.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, charging A panel 131 (referred to herein as "panel") supports a cable 136. charging The side wall 135 of the cable panel 131 (referred to as "cable panel 131") is positioned adjacent to the electronic display panel 140 when attached to the frame 140. Further, charging The front wall 133 of the cable panel 131 is positioned adjacent to the door panel 115 . chargingThe front wall 133 and side walls 135 of the cable panel 131, the door panel 115, and the electronic display panel 140 are sized to provide modular flexibility in mounting the panels to the frame in specific orientations and configurations during installation. In particular, charging The sum of the width of the side wall 135 of the cable panel 131 and the width of the electronic display panel 140 is charging The width of the door panel 115 is substantially equal to the width of the front wall 133 of the cable panel and the width of the door panel 115 of the one or more door panels. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the door panels may be positioned adjacent to one another along the longitudinal sides of the charging structure. However, depending on the environment, obstacles may exist that prevent both hinged doors from being positioned along the longitudinal sides. Therefore, at least one of the door panels 115 may be hingedly attached to one of the ends of the charging structure 1000, and the electronic display panel 140 may be interchangeably attached to the frame 160 along the longitudinal sides of the charging structure 1000. charging The cable panel 131 is mounted to the frame adjacent the adjacent corner panel (also referred to as the "door panel") 115 such that the front wall 133 of the adjacent corner panel is mounted to the frame adjacent the door panel 115 and the side wall 135 is mounted adjacent the electronic display panel 140. charging It will be appreciated that, in some cases, the panels 115, 131, 140 may need to be replaced with other panels (which may be cable panels). Such mounting configurations may also be considered when installing the charging structure 1000 in relation to the orientation of the electronic display panels 140. For example, the installer of the charging structure 1000 may determine, based on the environment (e.g., walkways, adjacent roads, etc.), that it is more preferable for one or more electronic display panels 140 to be mounted to the ends of the frame 160 rather than along the longitudinal sides of the frame 160. Because the panels 115, 131, 140 are sized to allow for reconfigurable mounting to the frame, such environmental factors can be taken into consideration when mounting the panels 115, 131, 140 during installation of the charging structure 1000.

[0039] 10 and 11, the charging structure may further include a camera device 170 projecting outwardly from the charging structure 1000, with video captured by the camera 170 being received by the computing device 1330 and stored in memory 1334. Activity occurring in association with the structure 1000 may be monitored using the captured video, such as security, user activity, and spectator activity. In one form, the computing device 1330 may also record in memory unique identifiers associated with wireless devices detected within wireless communication proximity to the wireless communication device 1340. For example, the identities of detected Bluetooth-enabled devices may be recorded in memory 1334 to provide an indication of viewership of the content being presented.

[0040] 7 and 8, the roof panel 120 may include multiple elongated vents 122 for ventilation of one or more display panels 140. As can be seen, the roof panel 120 may include multiple auxiliary vents 122 that may not be aligned with one or more electronic display panels 140. However, providing multiple auxiliary vents 122 on the roof panel 120 provides flexibility to mount the panel 110 in different configurations depending on the installation environment.

[0041] 10 , roof panel 120 includes one or more hoist points 129 to allow charging structure 100 to be lifted from around electrical distribution equipment 1000. For example, in the event of an emergency such as an electrical fire at equipment 1000, charging structure 100 can be disconnected from the mounting brackets to allow a hoisting mechanism, such as a crane, to lift charging structure 100 above electrical distribution equipment 1000 to allow for repair or replacement.

[0042] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-11 , the roof panel may include one or more sloped surfaces to facilitate the outflow of debris and / or water through one or more conduits 165 forming a portion of the frame 160. As shown in FIG. 1 , the roof panel 120 includes a single sloped surface. However, as shown in the alternative example of FIG. 7 , the roof panel 120 includes multiple sloped surfaces. In particular, the roof panel 120 includes a pair of primary sloped surfaces 124 to facilitate the outflow of water and / or debris. Each primary sloped section 1201 extends from a central portion of the roof panel 120 toward one or more holes 128 in the roof panel that communicate with the support posts 165 of the frame 160. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the roof panel includes a pair of upwardly facing end surfaces 126. Each upwardly facing end surface 126 is disposed adjacent to a corresponding primary sloped surface 124 and has an opposite slope to the corresponding adjacent primary sloped surface 124.

[0043] The charging structure 100 may be installed using the following method. First, a frame 160 is positioned around the periphery of the electrical distribution equipment. As described above, the frame 160 may be attached to mounting brackets that are fastened to a base plate supporting the electrical distribution equipment 1000. Next, the method includes coupling a plurality of panels 110 to the frame 160, with a charging device 130 having a charging cable 136 supported on an outer surface of a panel 131 of the plurality of panels 110. Because the panels 110 are modularly sized, the panels 110 may be attached to the frame 160 in various configurations depending on environmental factors that may interfere with the opening of the door panel 115 and the visibility of the electronic display panel 130. Next, the method includes fastening a roof panel 120 to the plurality of panels 110 to close the electrical distribution equipment 1000. The roof panel 120 may be fastened to the panel 110 via a fastening means. The method then includes electrically connecting the charging device 130 to a distribution board 1100 of the facility 1000 within the area 200 substantially enclosed by the charging structure 1000 .

[0044] Preferably, the panels 110 and the roof panel 115 are made from a metal material. Further embodiments of the charging station are shown with reference to Figures 14-19. Figures 20 and 21 further illustrate alternative implementations of the charging station. For purposes of clarity, only those features that differ from the previously described embodiments will be described here.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 14, the roof panel 120 may include a perforated structure 100 for the ventilation of heat from the charging structure. At least some of the panels are connected together in a bi-fold or multi-fold configuration 115a, as shown in Figures 14 and 21. The bi-fold / multi-fold configuration 115a of each panel provides a smaller footprint in the open position, as shown in Figure 21, compared to the hinged panel configuration described above, allowing the charging structure 100 to be placed in areas where there may be obstructions.

[0046] Many modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Throughout this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" should be understood to mean the inclusion of stated integers or steps or groups of integers or steps but not the exclusion of other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A charging structure, a plurality of panels coupled to a frame surrounding the electrical distribution equipment, the plurality of panels including an electronic display panel configured to display content; a roof panel fastened to the plurality of panels, thereby substantially enclosing the electrical distribution equipment; a charging device having a charging cable supported on an outer surface of a panel of the plurality of panels, the charging device being electrically connected to a distribution panel of the power distribution facility within an area substantially enclosed by the charging structure; a computing device in electrical communication with the electronic display panel, the computing device controlling the electronic display panel; a secondary power source configured to supply power to the electronic display panel and the computing device in response to insufficient power provided by the distribution panel of the power distribution facility; A charging structure comprising:

2. 10. The charging structure of claim 1, wherein the frame is fastened to a support frame for the electrical distribution equipment via a plurality of mounting brackets.

3. 3. The charging structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels includes one or more door panels hingedly connected to the frame to allow access to the electrical distribution equipment substantially enclosed within the charging structure.

4. The charging structure of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least some of the panels include a plurality of vents.

5. 2. The charging structure of claim 1, wherein the panels supporting the charging cable have outwardly facing front and side walls, the charging cable being supported on the front wall of a corresponding panel, and the side wall of the corresponding panel being positioned adjacent to the electronic display panel.

6. 6. The charging structure of claim 5 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the sum of the width of the side wall of the panel that supports the charging cable and the width of the electronic display panel is substantially equal to the width of the front wall of the panel that supports the charging cable and the width of a door panel of the one or more door panels.

7. 10. The charging structure of claim 1, wherein the charging structure includes an electrical equipment compartment disposed between the roof panel and a roof surface of the electrical distribution equipment, the electrical equipment compartment housing a charger assembly of the charging device, the charger assembly being electrically connected to the charging cable supported on an exterior surface of the charging structure.

8. 8. The charging structure of claim 7, wherein the charging structure includes or is coupled to a wireless communication device, and the computing device is configured to receive the content from a remote server processing system via the wireless communication device.

9. 10. The charging structure of claim 1, wherein when the secondary power source is used to power the one or more electronic display panels, the computing device is configured to control the one or more electronic display panels to present the content indicating a power outage currently occurring in a portion of an electrical power grid of which the electrical distribution equipment forms a part.

10. 10. The charging structure of claim 7, further comprising a camera device protruding outward from the charging structure, wherein video captured by the camera device is received by the computing device and stored in memory.

11. 11. The charging structure of claim 5, wherein the roof panel includes a plurality of elongated vent holes for providing ventilation to the one or more display panels.

12. The charging structure of any preceding claim, wherein the roof panel includes one or more hoist points to allow the charging structure to be lifted from around the electrical distribution equipment.

13. 13. A charging structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the roof panel includes one or more slopes to facilitate the outflow of debris or water or debris and water through one or more conduits forming part of the frame.

14. 14. The charging structure of claim 13, wherein the one or more sloped surfaces include a pair of major sloped sections for promoting the outflow of water or debris or water and debris, each major sloped section extending from a central portion of the roof panel toward one or more holes in the roof panel.

15. 15. The charging structure of claim 14, wherein the one or more sloped surfaces include a pair of upwardly facing end surfaces, each upwardly facing end surface adjacent a corresponding major sloped surface and having an opposite slope to the corresponding adjacent major sloped surface.

16. 16. The charging structure of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the charging device includes a cable storage mechanism for storing the charging cable after use.

17. 17. A method of installing a charging structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16 around electrical substation or transformer distribution equipment, comprising the steps of: positioning the frame around a periphery of the electrical distribution equipment; coupling the plurality of panels to the frame, the charging device having a charging cable supported on the outer surface of a panel of the plurality of panels; fastening the roof panel to the plurality of panels to close the electrical distribution equipment; electrically connecting the charging device to a distribution panel of the electrical distribution facility within the area substantially enclosed by the charging structure; electrically connecting the electronic display panel, the computing device, the secondary power source, and a distribution panel of the power distribution facility to one another within the area substantially enclosed by the charging structure; A method comprising:

18. 18. The method of claim 17 when dependent on claim 2, wherein positioning the frame around the periphery comprises fastening mounting brackets to the support frame of the electrical distribution equipment, the frame being attached to the mounting brackets.

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