Solar EV charging system

Abstract

A multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform includes: a solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; a charging system configured to receive an electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; a charge distribution system configured to distribute EV charging signals among the plurality of vehicles if more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform; and a counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 375,121, filed on September 9, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to solar EV charging systems, and more particularly to mobile solar EV charging systems. Background Art

[0004] The history of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can be traced back to the early development of the electric vehicles themselves. The development of EV charging stations is outlined below:

[0005] · Early 20th century: Electric vehicles were quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, charging was relatively simple and typically involved plugging the vehicle into a standard power outlet. However, the limited range of these early EVs and the advancement of internal combustion engine vehicles led to a decline in the popularity of electric vehicles.

[0006] · Mid to late 20th century: With the rise of gasoline-powered vehicles and the decline of electric vehicles, the charging infrastructure largely disappeared. EVs became niche vehicles used in specific applications, such as forklifts and golf carts, which were typically charged using on-site industrial charging equipment.

[0007] · 1990s and early 2000s: Due to concerns about environmental issues and dependence on fossil fuels, interest in electric vehicles began to grow again. However, the lack of charging infrastructure remained a major obstacle to widespread adoption. Automakers such as General Motors and Toyota introduced limited-production electric vehicles and developed some home charging systems for these vehicles.

[0008] · Late 2000s to early 2010s: The introduction of the 2008 Tesla Roadster marked an important turning point. Tesla invested in building its proprietary Supercharger network, which provides high-speed charging specifically for Tesla vehicles. This helped alleviate "range anxiety" and encouraged other automakers to take charging infrastructure more seriously.

[0009] · Mid to late 2010s: Governments and private companies around the world began investing in public charging networks to support the growing popularity of electric vehicles. Various standards for charging connectors and charging levels, such as Level 2 (240V AC charging) and Level 3 (DC fast charging), emerged. CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System) became two of the most common DC fast charging standards.

[0010] · Present and Future: The electric vehicle market continues to expand rapidly, and major automakers are committed to electrifying their entire product lineups within the next few years. As a result, the deployment of charging infrastructure has accelerated. Governments, utilities, and private companies are investing in various types of charging stations, including public Level 2 charging stations in urban areas, workplace charging stations, and high-power DC fast charging stations along highways. Wireless charging technology is also being explored as a convenient way to charge EVs.

[0011] · Innovation: In addition to traditional charging stations, innovations such as bidirectional charging have emerged. This technology enables electric vehicles not only to draw power from the grid but also to send power back, potentially acting as an energy storage unit during peak demand or emergencies.

[0012] Overall, the history of EV charging stations reflects the intertwined development of electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support their widespread adoption. As electric vehicle technology advances and becomes more mainstream, the charging infrastructure continues to evolve to meet the demands of the growing electric vehicle market.

[0013] Unfortunately, however, regardless of the charging method, these charging systems typically require hardwiring to the grid. This, in turn, makes it difficult for the charging infrastructure to expand / scale effectively in response to changing demand. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In one implementation, a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform includes: a solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; a charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; a charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform; and a counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform.

[0015] It may include one or more of the following features. The charging system may include one or more of the following: a Level 1 charging system; a Level 2 charging system; and a Level 3 charging system. A charge distribution system configured to distribute EV charging signals among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously. A charge distribution system configured to distribute EV charging signals among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles in a cyclic manner. The counterweight base assembly may be configured to be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space. The counterweight base assembly may be a concrete counterweight base assembly. The counterweight base assembly may be a ballast base assembly. The ballast base assembly may be configured to be filled with one or more of the following: sand; gravel; liquid; and water. The sun tracking actuation system may be configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun. The inverter system may be configured to convert an electrical output signal from a DC electrical output signal into an AC electrical output signal. The energy storage device may be configured to be charged by the electrical output signal and provide backup energy to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform.

[0016] In another implementation, a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform includes: a solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; a charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; a charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform; and a counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform and be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space.

[0017] It may include one or more of the following features. The charging system may include one or more of the following: a Level 1 charging system; a Level 2 charging system; and a Level 3 charging system. A charge distribution system configured to distribute an EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously. A charge distribution system configured to distribute an EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles in a cyclic manner. The counterweight base assembly may be a concrete counterweight base assembly. The counterweight base assembly may be a ballast base assembly. The ballast base assembly may be configured to be filled with one or more of the following: sand; gravel; liquid; and water. The sun tracking actuation system may be configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun. The counterweight base assembly may be a concrete counterweight base assembly.

[0018] In another implementation, a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform includes: a solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; a sun tracking actuation system configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun; a charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; a charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform; and a counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform and be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space.

[0019] It may include one or more of the following features. The charging system may include one or more of the following: a Level 1 charging system; a Level 2 charging system; and a Level 3 charging system. A charge distribution system configured to distribute an EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously. A charge distribution system configured to distribute an EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform may be configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles in a cyclic manner. The counterweight base assembly may be configured to be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space. The counterweight base assembly may be a ballast base assembly. The ballast base assembly may be configured to be filled with one or more of the following: sand; gravel; liquid; and water.

[0020] Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the specification, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform;

[0022] Figures 2 to 5 is of a Figure 1 multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figures 6 to 7 is of a Figure 1 multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Like reference numerals in the various figures indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] System Overview

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 , a multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 can be configured as an off-grid multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10, where the energy required to perform such charging operations can be obtained from, for example, solar energy. As an off-grid platform, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 can be easily and quickly installed / removed without participating in a long and expensive construction project.

[0027] The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 can include a solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12), which is configured to convert solar energy (e.g., solar energy 14) into an electrical output signal (e.g., electrical output signal 16).

[0028] A solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12), also referred to as a solar panel array or a photovoltaic array, refers to a grouping or arrangement of multiple solar panels that are designed to capture sunlight (e.g., solar energy 14) and convert it into electricity (e.g., electrical output signal 16) using photovoltaic (PV) technology. A solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12) is a basic component of a solar energy system for generating clean renewable energy from sunlight.

[0029] Specifically, the solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12) can include multiple components, examples of which can include but are not limited to:

[0030] · Solar panels: Solar panels are composed of many individual solar cells, which are typically made of silicon or other semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits these solar cells, they generate direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

[0031] · Solar inverters: The DC power generated by solar panels needs to be converted into alternating current (AC), which is the type of power used by most homes and businesses. Solar inverters are used to perform this conversion.

[0032] · Mounting structures: Solar panels need to be mounted on a stable structure to ensure they are properly oriented towards the sun for maximum efficiency. The mounting structure can be fixed or adjustable, allowing the panels to track the movement of the sun throughout the day (tracking systems are more complex but can result in higher energy output).

[0033] · Wiring and connections: The solar panels in an array are wired together in a specific configuration (such as series or parallel) to achieve the desired voltage and current levels. The wires are routed to the inverter and then connected to the building's electrical system or the power grid.

[0034] · Power generation: When sunlight hits solar panels, the photons in the sunlight excite electrons in the solar cells, generating an electric current. The solar panels in an array together generate electricity that can be used to power appliances, lights, and other electrical devices.

[0035] Solar cell arrays come in various sizes, from small residential installations with just a few panels on a roof to large utility-scale installations covering large areas of land. The amount of electricity that a solar cell array can generate depends on several factors, such as the size of the array, the efficiency of the solar panels, the geographical location, the angle and orientation of the panels, and the amount of sunlight received.

[0036] The solar cell array 12 can include a plurality of support poles (e.g., front support pole 18 and / or rear support pole 20), which are coupled to guy wires and used to provide structural integrity for the solar panels 22. For example, the guy wires 24, 26 can be used to pull the solar panels 22 forward, while the guy wires 28, 30 can be used to pull the solar panels 22 backward.

[0037] The multi-vehicle self-powered EV charging platform 10 can include a charging system (e.g., charging system 32), which is configured to receive an electrical output signal (e.g., electrical output signal 16) from a solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12) and generate an EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 34). Examples of the charging system (e.g., charging system 32) can include but are not limited to: a level 1 charging system; a level 2 charging system; or a level 3 charging system.

[0038] A Level 1 charging system refers to the basic and standard method of charging an electric vehicle (EV) using a standard household power outlet. This is the simplest and slowest way to charge an electric vehicle, typically involving plugging the vehicle into a regular 120-volt AC power outlet, similar to the power outlets for appliances and electronics in your home. Level 1 charging is usually used when there is no immediate need for fast charging, such as when the vehicle is parked at home overnight. However, because Level 1 charging uses a standard household power supply, it tends to be slower compared to higher-level charging options. The charging rate of a Level 1 system is typically limited by the capacity of the standard household power outlet, usually around 1.4 to 1.9 kilowatts (kW). This means that on average, it adds 2 to 5 miles of driving range per hour of charging, depending on the specific EV model. While Level 1 charging is convenient and widely available, it may not be sufficient for drivers with longer commutes or those who need to quickly charge their vehicle's battery.

[0039] A Level 2 charging system is a higher-power electric vehicle (EV) charging option that offers shorter charging times compared to Level 1 charging. It requires a dedicated charging station, which is typically installed at homes, workplaces, public parking lots, and other locations where EV owners may need to charge. Level 2 charging stations use 240-volt AC power, similar to the power used by large household appliances such as hair dryers or ovens. Due to the higher voltage and current, a Level 2 charging system can supply more power to the EV's battery, thus reducing the charging time. The charging rate of Level 2 charging can vary depending on the specific EV and the power output of the charging station, but it generally ranges from 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW or higher. This means that compared to Level 1 charging, the charging rate is faster, adding an average of about 10 to 30 miles of driving range per hour of charging. Level 2 charging is a convenient option for meeting both residential and commercial charging needs. It strikes a good balance between charging speed and infrastructure cost, making it suitable for many EV owners who need to charge their vehicles overnight at home or during the day at work.

[0040] Level 3 charging systems (also known as DC fast charging or rapid charging) are high-power electric vehicle (EV) charging options that offer significantly shorter charging times compared to Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Level 3 charging stations provide a convenient and quick way to charge EVs, especially for drivers on long trips or those who need to quickly charge their vehicles. Level 3 charging stations use direct current (DC) power instead of alternating current (AC) power, which allows them to directly supply a large amount of power to the EV's battery. This results in a faster charging rate compared to Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The exact charging rate may vary depending on the specific charging station and EV compatibility. The charging rate of Level 3 charging systems can be quite substantial, ranging from approximately 50 kW to over 350 kW or higher. This means a significant increase in driving range within a short amount of time, typically adding about 60 - 80 miles in a 20 - 30 minute charging session. Level 3 charging stations are typically located along highways, rest areas, and other high-traffic locations to facilitate long-distance travel for EVs. Compared to Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations, these charging stations require specialized equipment and higher infrastructure costs. As a result, they are less common in residential settings and are more commonly used in public charging networks.

[0041] The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 can include an inverter system (e.g., inverter system 36) that is configured to convert an electrical output signal (e.g., electrical output signal 16) from a DC electrical output signal to an AC electrical output signal, as solar cell arrays 12 typically provide DC-based power and charging system 32 typically requires AC-based power.

[0042] An inverter system is a device that converts direct current (DC) electrical energy into alternating current (AC) electrical energy. Inverters play a crucial role in various applications, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), etc. The main function of an inverter is to enable the use of DC power sources, such as batteries or solar panels, to power devices and appliances that require AC electricity. The typical operation of an inverter is as follows:

[0043] · Convert DC to AC; in many cases, the power generated by sources such as solar panels or stored in batteries is in the form of DC. However, most household appliances and the power grid use AC. The inverter accepts the DC input and converts it to an AC output, making it compatible with the devices and the power grid.

[0044] · Waveform: The inverter generates AC power in various waveforms, the most common being the sine wave, which is very similar to the smooth waveform of grid power. Other types include square waves and modified sine waves, which are less common and may be used for specific applications.

[0045] · Frequency and Voltage Regulation: The inverter also controls the frequency (cycles per second, measured in Hertz) and voltage of the AC output. This regulation is crucial for ensuring that devices connected to the inverter receive stable and appropriate power.

[0046] Inverters are used in several applications, such as:

[0047] · Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels generate DC power, which is then converted into AC power suitable for home use or fed back into the power grid through an inverter.

[0048] · Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles use inverters to convert DC power stored in the battery into AC power to drive the vehicle's motor.

[0049] · Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Inverters are used in UPS systems to provide backup power during power outages, ensuring continuous power supply to critical equipment.

[0050] · Induction Heating: Inverters can be used for high-frequency induction heating in applications such as cooking and metalworking.

[0051] · Motor Control: In industrial settings, inverters are used to control the speed and direction of AC motors, providing high energy efficiency and precise control.

[0052] · Grid-Connected Systems: In grid-connected solar systems, excess power generated by solar panels can be fed back into the power grid through an inverter.

[0053] Inverters come in various sizes and capacities, depending on the intended application. They vary in terms of efficiency, waveform quality, voltage and frequency regulation, and other characteristics. It is important to select the correct type of inverter for a specific use case to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.

[0054] The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 may include a charge distribution system (e.g., charge distribution system 38) configured to distribute an EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 34) among multiple vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46) when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10. For example, as will be discussed below, the charge distribution system 24 may be configured to enable simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46).

[0055] For example, in one configuration, a charge distribution system (e.g., charge distribution system 38) can be configured to simultaneously provide a portion of an EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 34) to each of a plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46). For example, assume that charging system 32 is a level 2 charging system configured to provide a 19.2 kW EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 20). Thus, charging system 32 can be configured to simultaneously charge a plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46) by continuously providing a 4.8 kW EV charging signal to each of the plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46), resulting in an increase in mileage of 6 - 15 miles per hour of charging time for each of the plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46).

[0056] For example, in another configuration, a charge distribution system (e.g., charge distribution system 38) can be configured to provide an EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 34) to each of a plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46) in a cyclic manner. For example, again assume that charging system 32 is a level 2 charging system configured to provide a 19.2 kW EV charging signal (e.g., EV charging signal 34). Thus, charging system 32 can be configured to charge a plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46) by sequentially providing (e.g., 15 minutes per hour) a 19.2 kW EV charging signal to each of the plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46), resulting in an increase in mileage of 6 - 15 miles for each of the plurality of vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46) during each 15 - minute charging period.

[0057] Reference Figures 6 to 7, the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10 can include a counterweight base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48), which is configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10. The counterweight base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48) can be configured to allow the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10 to be "easily" moved. For example, the counterweight base assembly 48 can have a large enough mass to prevent the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10 from unwanted movement due to, for example, strong winds; but be light enough to be moved using appropriate equipment (such as a crane truck). According to an embodiment, the counterweight base assembly 48 can be in the range of 8000 - 12000 pounds. Additionally, if needed, the counterweight base assembly 48 can be pinned to the surface (e.g., surface 50) on which it is placed (via a pin 52 that passes through a channel in the counterweight base assembly 48 and into the ground; not shown). Examples of the pin 52 can include, but are not limited to, ground anchors (e.g., PE46-Hex, a 46-inch penetrator with a 2-inch hex head available from American Ground Anchor).

[0058] The counterweight base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48) can be configured to be centered within a 2×2 grid of parking spaces. For example, the counterweight base assembly 48 can be configured in a plus shape, having four legs (as Figure 7 shown) that can be centered within four parking spaces, thereby allowing charging of multiple vehicles (e.g., vehicles 40, 42, 44, 46).

[0059] In some implementations, the counterweight base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48) can be a concrete counterweight base assembly because concrete can provide a large enough mass to prevent unwanted movement of the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10.

[0060] In another implementation, the counterweight base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48) can be a ballast base assembly. The ballast base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 34) can be configured to be filled with one or more of the materials (e.g., material 54), which can provide the mass necessary to prevent unwanted movement of the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10. Examples of such materials (e.g., material 54) can include, but are not limited to: sand; gravel; water (when used in a place that does not experience freezing temperatures) and liquids (e.g., brine when used in a place that experiences freezing temperatures). Such a ballast base assembly (e.g., counterweight base assembly 48) can be constructed of, for example, plastic and can further include structural reinforcement materials (such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.) to provide the rigidity and / or structural integrity required to prevent unwanted movement of the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform 10.

[0061] The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 may include a solar tracking actuation system (e.g., solar tracking actuation system 56) configured to enable a solar cell array (e.g., solar cell array 12) to track the movement of the sun.

[0062] A solar tracking actuation system is a mechanism that allows a solar panel or photovoltaic system to track the movement of the sun across the sky throughout the day. The goal of a solar tracking actuation system is to maximize the amount of sunlight received by the solar panel, which in turn increases the efficiency and output of solar power generation.

[0063] Solar panels are most efficient when directly facing the sun. As the sun moves from east to west during the day, a solar panel fixed in one position can only capture a limited amount of sunlight at the optimal angle. A solar tracking actuation system adjusts the orientation of the solar panel to ensure that it always faces the sun directly, thereby increasing the amount of sunlight it receives and the energy it can convert.

[0064] There are two main types of solar tracking actuation systems:

[0065] · Single-axis tracking: This type of tracking system adjusts the orientation of the solar panel along a single axis (usually the north-south axis). The panel tilts from east to west to follow the daily movement of the sun. This is a simpler and more common tracking system as it significantly increases the power generation compared to a fixed panel.

[0066] · Dual-axis tracking: This more complex tracking system adjusts the solar panel along the elevation angle (i.e., the vertical angle) and the east-west axis. This enables the solar panel to more precisely track the movement of the sun, optimizing the incident angle for maximum sunlight exposure throughout the year and day. Dual-axis tracking systems are particularly useful in high latitudes or where there are seasonal solar angle variations.

[0067] Various techniques can be used to implement a solar tracking system, such as:

[0068] · Active tracking: This involves using motors, gears, and sensors to actively adjust the orientation of the solar panel in real-time as the sun moves. Active tracking systems can be powered by electricity or controlled by computer algorithms.

[0069] · Passive tracking: Passive tracking systems use mechanical designs and gravity to naturally align the solar panel with the position of the sun. These systems are generally simpler and do not require an external power source.

[0070] Although solar tracking systems can significantly increase power generation, they also have some drawbacks. Compared with fixed solar panels, they are more complex in design, installation, and maintenance. Due to the added components and mechanisms, they also result in higher upfront costs. The benefits and feasibility of using solar tracking systems depend on factors such as location, available space, budget, and desired energy output.

[0071] The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10 may include an energy storage device (e.g., the energy storage device 58), which is configured to be charged by an electrical output signal (e.g., the electrical output signal 16) and provide backup energy to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform 10. Examples of the energy storage device 58 may include, but are not limited to, lithium-ion batteries or lead-acid batteries. As described above, the sun moves from east to west during the day, and the sun tracking actuation system 56 may be configured to move the solar panels (e.g., the solar cell array 12) from east to west during the day. Thus, at the end of the day, the solar panels (e.g., the solar cell array 12) may face west and need to be repositioned to face east before sunrise the next day. Accordingly, the energy storage device 58 may provide the electrical energy required to reposition the solar panels (e.g., the solar cell array 12) to the sun tracking actuation system 56 and provide EV charging when sunlight availability is limited (e.g., at night).

[0072] Summary

[0073] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "comprising", when used in this specification, specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] All structural, material, action, and equivalent counterparts of the mechanisms or steps plus function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structure, material, or action for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been given for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure with various modifications suitable for the particular purposes contemplated.

[0075] Numerous implementations have been described. The disclosure of the present application has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments of the present application. It is obvious that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform comprising: A solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; A charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; A charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform; And A counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform.

2. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The charging system includes one or more of the following: A level 1 charging system; A level 2 charging system; and A level 3 charging system.

3. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform is configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously.

4. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles in the case where more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform is configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles in a cyclic manner.

5. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is configured to be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space.

6. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a concrete counterweight base assembly.

7. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a ballast base assembly.

8. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 7, wherein, The ballast base assembly is configured to be filled with one or more of the following: Sand; Gravel; Liquid; and Water.

9. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform further comprising: A sun tracking actuator system configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun.

10. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform further comprising: An inverter system configured to convert the electrical output signal from a DC electrical output signal into an AC electrical output signal.

11. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 1, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform further comprising: An energy storage device configured to be charged by the electrical output signal and provide backup energy to the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform.

12. A multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform, the multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform comprising: A solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; A charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; A charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform; and A counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform and centered within a 2x2 grid of a parking space.

13. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The charging system includes one or more of the following: A Level 1 charging system; A Level 2 charging system; and A Level 3 charging system.

14. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform is configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously.

15. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform is configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles in a cyclic manner.

16. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a concrete counterweight base assembly.

17. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a ballast base assembly.

18. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 17, wherein, The ballast base assembly is configured to be filled with one or more of the following: Sand; Gravel; Liquid; and Water.

19. The multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform according to claim 12, the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform further comprising: A solar tracking actuation system configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun.

20. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 12, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a concrete counterweight base assembly.

21. A multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform, the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform comprising: A solar cell array configured to convert solar energy into an electrical output signal; A solar tracking actuation system configured to enable the solar cell array to track the movement of the sun; A charging system configured to receive the electrical output signal from the solar cell array and generate an EV charging signal; A charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform; and A counterweight base assembly configured to stabilize the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform and centered within a 2x2 grid of a parking space.

22. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 21, wherein, The charging system includes one or more of the following: A Level 1 charging system; A Level 2 charging system; and A Level 3 charging system.

23. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 21, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among multiple vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform is configured to provide a portion of the EV charging signal to each of the multiple vehicles simultaneously.

24. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 21, wherein, The charge distribution system configured to distribute the EV charging signal among a plurality of vehicles when more than one vehicle is coupled to the multi-vehicle self-contained EV charging platform is configured to provide the EV charging signal to each of the plurality of vehicles in a cyclic manner.

25. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 21, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is configured to be centered within a 2×2 grid of a parking space.

26. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 21, wherein, The counterweight base assembly is a ballast base assembly.

27. The multi-vehicle self-sufficient EV charging platform according to claim 26, wherein, The ballast base assembly is configured to be filled with one or more of the following: sand; gravel; liquid; and water.

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