Abstract: A transportable unit for charging an electric vehicle has a vehicle docking pad and a source of renewable energy mounted on the docking pad that includes a solar array and/or a wind turbine. Also included is a storage battery for receiving electricity from the source of renewable energy. Structurally, a primary induction coil is affixed to the docking pad where it is connected to receive a converted a.c. current from the storage battery. With this connection, the primary induction coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field that establishes a resonant inductive coupling with a secondary induction coil mounted on the electric vehicle. Thus, an electric current is generated at the secondary induction coil for recharging the battery of the electric vehicle.

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 ±?. Reinforcing bars are configured to maximize bending reaction to wind loads on the solar array.

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 ±?. Reinforcing bars are configured to maximize bending reaction to wind loads on the solar array.

Abstract: A charging station for electric vehicles includes a solar array for converting solar energy into electricity. A curved column is provided for holding the solar array at an upper end of the column. Its lower end is affixed to a platform for stability. An equipment enclosure is attached to the upper end of the curved column for holding electronic and mechanical components that, respectively, collect and store solar energy from the solar array and operationally move the solar array for this purpose. Additionally, a control unit is included with the electronic and mechanical components in the equipment enclosure to monitor vehicle charging operations. For protective purposes, the equipment enclosure is located on the curved column at an elevated height above the stability platform, to prevent flood damage and avoid theft or vandalism.

Abstract: A transportable unit for charging an electric vehicle has a vehicle docking pad and a source of renewable energy mounted on the docking pad that includes a solar array and/or a wind turbine. Also included is a storage battery for receiving electricity from the source of renewable energy. Structurally, a primary induction coil is affixed to the docking pad where it is connected to receive a converted a.c. current from the storage battery. With this connection, the primary induction coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field that establishes a resonant inductive coupling with a secondary induction coil mounted on the electric vehicle. Thus, an electric current is generated at the secondary induction coil for recharging the battery of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting renewable energy includes a solar panel and a wind turbine that are mounted on a same extension arm, In this combination, as the extension arm is rotated on a support pole, the solar panel is simultaneously rotated through a directional arc ? and an inclination arc ? in accordance with a predetermined daily schedule that is based on the time of day and the latitude of the apparatus. Also, as the solar panel is moved, the wind turbine is free to follow wind direction and maximize its collection of wind energy. To further maximize the energy collection capability of the apparatus, the wind turbine is located on the extension arm to remain down-sun from the solar panel and to remain free from wind flow interference that may be caused by the solar panel.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting renewable energy includes a solar panel and a down-sun wind turbine that are mounted on a same crossbeam. In this combination, as the crossbeam is rotated on a support pole, the solar panel is simultaneously rotated through a directional arc ? and an inclination arc ? in accordance with a predetermined daily schedule that is based on the time of day and the latitude of the system. Also, as the solar panel is moved, the wind turbine is free to follow wind direction and maximize its collection of wind energy. To further maximize the energy collection capability of the system, the wind turbine is located on the crossbeam to remain down-sun from the solar panel and to remain free from wind flow interference that may be caused by the solar panel.

Abstract: A network is provided for recharging aerial drones during extended flight operations, without requiring a return to a centralized recharging station. Instead, autonomous recharging stations are provided which are self-sustained by using electricity from renewable energy sources located at the station. Operationally, a cone-shaped receptacle is mounted on the drone, and a cone-shaped probe is provided at the recharging station. The probe is connected with the renewable energy source. With this connection, an engagement for recharging the drone's battery is accomplished when the vertex of the probe is received through the open base of the receptacle to place an electrical connector on the probe in contact with the battery of the drone.

Abstract: A network is provided for recharging aerial drones during extended flight operations, without requiring a return to a centralized recharging station. Instead, autonomous recharging stations are provided which are self-sustained by using electricity from renewable energy sources located at the station. Operationally, a cone-shaped receptacle is mounted on the drone, and a cone-shaped probe is provided at the recharging station. The probe is connected with the renewable energy source. With this connection, an engagement for recharging the drone's battery is accomplished when the vertex of the probe is received through the open base of the receptacle to place an electrical connector on the probe in contact with the battery of the drone.

Abstract: A charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) is mounted on a public light post which receives an allotment of electric energy from a distributed power grid. In addition to its electrical connection with the distributed power grid, the charging station is electrically connected with a solar array on the light post that collects solar electric energy. Also mounted on the light post is a wind turbine that produces wind-generated electric energy. The electric energy from all three sources (i.e. solar, wind and grid) is consolidated in a storage battery at the charging station. The consolidated electric energy is then used for charging EVs, with an overriding priority given to electric energy allotted for regulated grid support requirements, such as street lighting and lighting for public venues.

Abstract: A charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) is mounted on a public light post which receives an allotment of electric energy from a distributed power grid. In addition to its electrical connection with the distributed power grid, the charging station is electrically connected with a solar array on the light post that collects solar electric energy. Also mounted on the light post is a wind turbine that produces wind-generated electric energy. The electric energy from all three sources (i.e. solar, wind and grid) is consolidated in a storage battery at the charging station. The consolidated electric energy is then used for charging EVs, with an overriding priority given to electric energy allotted for regulated grid support requirements, such as street lighting and lighting for public venues.

Abstract: A mobile solar array is provided which can be reconfigured between an operational (i.e. flat) configuration, and a retracted (i.e. folded) configuration. This is a two-step process. First, the structure that supports the solar array in its operation configuration on a docking pad is collapsed. This lowers the solar array toward the docking pad. Next, the solar array, which includes three sections of photovoltaic modules is folded lengthwise. Specifically, side sections of the solar array are folded out-of-plane from the center section. This places the solar array in its retracted configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically charging a plurality of electric vehicles is operated continuously to charge the vehicles in repetitive cycles from a same power source. During the time of a charging cycle, Tcycle, (i.e. the sequence time needed to incrementally charge all vehicles connected to the power source), each vehicle is connected to the power source, in turn, for a same time duration, td. When completed, each cycle is then repeated. As vehicles are either connected or disconnected from the power source, the total time of the charging cycle, Tcycle, is respectively extended or shortened by td. Operationally, although Tcycle will vary as vehicles come and go, td remains constant.

Abstract: A mobile solar array is provided which can be reconfigured between an operational (i.e. flat) configuration, and a retracted (i.e. folded) configuration. This is a two-step process. First, the structure that supports the solar array in its operation configuration on a docking pad is collapsed. This lowers the solar array toward the docking pad. Next, the solar array, which includes three sections of photovoltaic modules is folded lengthwise. Specifically, side sections of the solar array are folded out-of-plane from the center section. This places the solar array in its retracted configuration.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable unit for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The portable unit includes a moveable docking pad that has a generally flat, horizontal base and is formed with a compartment for holding at least one storage battery. The first end of a column is mounted onto the docking pad and oriented to extend upwardly from the docking pad to a second column end. A solar array is affixed to the second end of the column for deployment over the docking pad. The electric current from the solar array is fed to the storage battery using a charge management system. The battery, in turn, is connected to an EV charge station which produces a charging current to charge the battery of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable unit for charging a battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The portable unit includes a moveable docking pad that has a generally flat, horizontal base and is formed with a compartment for holding at least one storage battery. The first end of a column is mounted onto the docking pad and oriented to extend upwardly from the docking pad to a second column end. A solar array is affixed to the second end of the column for deployment over the docking pad. The electric current from the solar array is fed to the storage battery using a charge management system. The battery, in turn, is connected to an EV charge station which produces a charging current to charge the battery of an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously reorienting a solar panel array while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint for the solar panel. A cylindrically shaped knuckle is provided that is formed with a bottom surface and a top surface that is slanted relative to the bottom surface at a slant angle ?. One end of an upper pole is positioned against the top surface of the knuckle, and one end of a lower pole is positioned against the bottom surface of the knuckle. An upper and lower motor respectively connect the knuckle to the upper pole and the lower pole. These motors are used to continuously rotate the knuckle at an angular velocity ? relative to the upper and lower poles. When the knuckle rotates, the upper and lower poles remain stationary to allow the solar panel to continuously reorient while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously reorienting a solar panel array while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint for the solar panel. A cylindrically shaped knuckle is provided that is formed with a bottom surface and a top surface that is slanted relative to the bottom surface at a slant angle ?. One end of an upper pole is positioned against the top surface of the knuckle, and one end of a lower pole is positioned against the bottom surface of the knuckle. An upper and lower motor respectively connect the knuckle to the upper pole and the lower pole. These motors are used to continuously rotate the knuckle at an angular velocity ? relative to the upper and lower poles. When the knuckle rotates, the upper and lower poles remain stationary to allow the solar panel to continuously reorient while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint.