WO2018119050A1 - Structural bollard assembly for electric vehicle infrastructure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is directed to electric vehicle ("EV") infrastructure, which includes a customizable charging station that comprises a modular bollard assembly having a structural tubular form that is secured to electrical vehicle supply equipment to provide fuel to an EV. The modular bollard assembly is optionally fashioned with expansion elements, such as a solar canopy, which accommodate EV infrastructure requirements. The invention also includes methods of determining and manufacturing EV infrastructure based upon data pertaining to demographic, energy, EV, financial and geographic metrics.

Description

STRUCTURAL BOLLARD ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE

INFRASTRUCTURE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15/389,950 filed on December 23, 2016 and entitled, "ELECTRICAL VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to modular and expandable structures, and more particularly to a modular bollard assembly that provides charging for electric and hybrid vehicles while providing structural support for overhead structures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Continual increases in transportation fuel prices, as well as the growing importance of greenhouse gas emission reduction, has led the automotive industry and governments around the world to reevaluate the importance of the electric vehicle (EV). A number of landmark events have occurred since the launch of the EVls by General Motors in California in the late 1980s. For instance, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided substantial funding to EV technologies, which was reinforced by a surge of private investment in the EV marketplace. Also, in 2010, the J-1772 Plug was accepted by the SAE as the global standard for Level 2 charging interface between vehicles and chargers. Further, the introduction of new battery technologies, particularly the advancement of Lithium- Ion batteries, has greatly improved the energy density of the battery stacks and provided impetus to both automotive designers and industry executives. These advances have spurred dozens of companies to enter the marketplace with various electric vehicle supply equipment ("EVSE"), such as chargers, etc. Accordingly, most automotive makers either produce, or plan to produce, some kind of EV.

[0004] Electric vehicles have many environmental benefits over conventional internal combustion automobiles. For instance, EVs promote a reduction of urban air pollution because they do not emit harmful tailpipe pollutants. Even EVs with an onboard source of power for battery charging (i.e. Hybrid EV) can provide reduced pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite the environmental benefits, the widespread adoption of electric cars faces several obstacles and limitations. One of the primary challenges with any EV is the range of operation and the related time to charge. Therefore, there is a need in the art for recharging infrastructures to promote the use of electric vehicles.

[0005] The lack of EV infrastructure not only presents physical limitations (e.g., limited range), but also contributes to the driver's fear of the batteries running out of energy before reaching their destination (range anxiety). Accordingly, many consumers are reluctant to invest in an EV as their primary vehicle. As new vehicles are introduced into the marketplace, the challenge of finding publicly accessible charging stations will only become increasingly difficult. Although most consumers will charge at home overnight, they must feel supported in their decision to buy an EV.

[0006] Several attempts to provide EV infrastructure exist in the art. However, no existing infrastructure offers a successful flexible solution that can be systematically adapted and/or expanded to effectively integrate into preexisting transportation, structural, and power infrastructure for predetermined community- scaled use.

[0007] For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,637,075 discloses a reinforced pole structure. The pole structure includes a hollow pole with an interior surface, a hand access hole near the bottom end, and a base plate to which the bottom end of the pole is secured. The reinforced pole structure also includes an elongate reinforcement device, preferably in the form of two elongate reinforcers fitted against the interior surface of the hollow pole, the lower edges of the reinforcers being welded to the pole at the bottom end and the hole-adjacent edge(s) of the reinforcers being welded to the lip of the hand-hole. However, the Ό75 patent makes no disclosure relating to attaching additional building structure to the top of the pole or to placing a charging station within the confines of the pole.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 7,694,487 discloses a tubular post for a light or other electrical device mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that the top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 7,779,588 discloses a concrete foundation which is adapted to be embedded in the ground for supporting a pole thereon. The foundation is comprised of a vertically disposed central section having upper and lower ends with a base section embracing the lower end of the central section and being wedged there against to anchor the central section in the ground. If additional weight is needed, one or more base sections may be stacked on top of the lowermost base section.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 7,874,126 discloses a service line distribution base including a ground anchor having an upstanding cruciform portion adapted to extend into the ground. A cabinet suited to support a utility pole extends upwardly from the ground anchor. The cabinet defines an internal space for receiving buried wire conduits incorporated into the cruciform ground anchor. The cruciform shape of the ground anchor permits a number of wire conduits to be extended into the base of a utility pole as compared to concrete bases.

[0011] U.S. Patent No. 8,087,846 discloses a bollard configured for storage of a bollard coupling adapted to extend between a bollard and an adjacent structure. Bollards are disclosed that include a body defining an interior body volume and a first aperture. A bracket fixedly attached to the body defines a second aperture. The bracket is configured to reversibly receive a bollard engaging member fixedly attached to an end portion of a bollard coupling. In a first position, at least a portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the first aperture; and in a second position, the portion of the bollard engaging member extends through the second aperture. A cap being releasably secured to the body provides access to the interior body volume and at least partially retains the bollard engaging member. The structure allows bollards to be connected together to create a barrier for pedestrians or vehicles.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 8,089,747 discloses a power pedestal in the form of a bollard to provide power to a vehicle and to a structure disposed separate from the vehicle. The power pedestal includes a housing having an exterior, a first end fixed to a platform, and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. A meter socket assembly is housed by the housing. At least one first branch circuit breaker and a second main circuit breaker are electrically connected to the meter socket assembly within the housing. At least one of the first branch circuit breakers is electrically connected to the vehicle by a corresponding one of a number of first electrical conductors. The second main circuit breaker is electrically connected to the structure by a second electrical conductor. A meter, which is electrically connected to the meter socket assembly, measures electric energy consumed by the vehicle and the structure.

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 7,952,325 discloses a vehicle charging station that includes a power receptacle compartment that includes a power receptacle to receive an electrical plug. The vehicle charging station also includes a door that is hingedly coupled with the power receptacle compartment to cover the power receptacle when the door is closed. The vehicle charging station includes a first locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a closed position without consuming power to control access to the power receptacle compartment, such that the door remains locked in the closed position if the vehicle charging station loses power. The vehicle charging station also includes a second locking means for locking and unlocking the door from a charging position to control access to the electrical plug. The second locking means allows the door to be unlocked from the charging position if the vehicle charging station loses power.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 8,072,182 discloses a closed-circuit battery charging system for a hybrid vehicle including a below-ground supply of electrical energy; an insulated vertical post extending above-ground and coupled with the below-ground electrical energy supply to provide a source of transmitted electrical power for charging energy storage batteries; a receiver of transmitted electrical power within an insulated coating on the front bumper of the vehicle positioned to inductively couple with the source; and means within the vehicle coupled between the receiver on the vehicle and the batteries thereof to automatically begin charging the batteries when the vehicle is parked with the front bumper in physical contact with the insulated vertical post for electrical inductance coupling to occur between the source of electrical power and the receiver; wherein the source of electrical power is embedded within the vertical post along an external surface thereof, and wherein the receiver is embedded within the insulated coating extending sideways, from side-to-side thereof, horizontally and substantially along the entire length of the front bumper of the automotive vehicle.

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 8,307,967 discloses a mechanical, electrical and

telecommunication system to electrically connect a vehicle to an electricity source to transfer energy to the vehicle. In one rendition, the system has a stationary portion on the road or infrastructure side, and a moving member on the vehicle. The system is designed to tolerate misalignments of a parked vehicle with respect to the parking stall. The infrastructure or roadside component of the system being mechanically static is designed rugged. An important component of the system is a pair of rigid, insulating strips with a series of conductors on each of them, placed at approximately right angles to each other. One of the strips is mounted on the infrastructure or roadside and the other on the vehicle. The two strips cover the lateral and longitudinal misalignment of the parked vehicle. As long as the two strips have an overlap, the connection can be made by the conductors in the overlap region. The system is designed to operate only in the active presence and active desire of a vehicle to connect to the infrastructure or roadside stationary part.

[0016] U.S. Patent No. 8,299,754 discloses a portable charging system detachably drawing from a power source. The device can be connected to a residential power source for charging and thereafter disconnected from the residential power source for transport to an EV for charging of its batteries.

[0017] U.S. Patent No. 7,248,018 discloses a personal refueling station for a personal- sized electric vehicle. The device has a polygonal base structure housing a refueling system and a plurality of flat panels hinged thereto which open to form a flat surface and close up to an upright pyramid for storage. The flat panels have solar PV arrays mounted on their inside surfaces which generate electricity from sunlight in the open position. The electricity is used to generate hydrogen for hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles, or is stored for recharging non-hydrogen electric vehicles. Alternatively, hydrogen or electricity may be provided from an external renewable power source.

[0018] U.S. Patent No. 8,111,043 discloses an EV charger in combination with a streetlight. Streetlights positioned along streets and in parking lots are often suitably located for a vehicle to park in immediate proximity. An electric vehicle charging system and method allows the power supply previously dedicated to the streetlight to be used for electric vehicle recharging whenever the streetlight is not lit. In some embodiments, if the total of the current drawn by the electric vehicle charging and the lit streetlight is less than the rating of the streetlight power supply, then charging may continue even while the streetlight is lit. Further, if an electric vehicle so charging offers a utility-interactive inverter, then upon demand the electric vehicle may be available to supply power back to the electric grid.

[0019] United States Patent No. 8,022,667 attempts to meet EV recharging infrastructure needs using a method and system for connecting a vehicle to a parking meter charging source. The parking meter charging source includes a retractable protrusion for the electrical connection of a vehicle to a charging source (i.e., a battery). While the parking meter charging source can provide energy to an EV, it is neither adaptable nor expandable. Further, the parking meter charging source is used as a standalone unit, which is incapable of providing structural support to anything more than a meter device and a single solar panel.

[0020] United States Patent No. 5,847,537 also attempts to meet EV recharging infrastructure needs. The patent discloses a charging station system of electric vehicles having a building which contains the charging equipment and may provide other auxiliary services.

Nevertheless, while the building is modular and expandable, it is not capable of adaptation for differing needs.

[0021] U.S. Patent No. 5,847,537 discloses a charging station system for electric vehicles having a building which contains the charging equipment and may provide other auxiliary services. The system includes a T-bar which extends from the building to provide charging stalls or locations spaced along the T-bar. The building is modular and incorporates a standard ISO type configuration for ease and convenience of installation and transportation.

[0022] U.S. Patent No. 8,013,569 discloses a renewable energy system for directly charging electric and hybrid vehicles for areas with modest wind resources and/or solar resources. The invention consists of a composite stanchion for mounting on a base in a parking lot that is both capable of supporting a medium sized wind turbine (or solar array) and serving as a battery storage and charging control station. Significant improvements in blade pitch adjustment and cost reduction for wind turbine blades allow the system to operate at an acceptable cost in areas with modest winds and avoid the need for remotely supplied renewable electricity in areas of high population density.

[0023] It remains that a need exists to provide useful EV infrastructure that is adaptable and customizable to meet any number of functional and structural requirements for community- scale use. The invention disclosed herein provides a device and method to determine the benefits of and need for EV infrastructure on any scale and/or quantity. Further, the invention provides physical EV infrastructure, which can stand alone or be further adapted to support an expansion feature or any combination of expansion features above it. For example, the invention can be configured to harness energy (which can be fed into an electric utility power grid), to provide shelter, to provide security and/or to provide structural support for physical structures such as buildings. The flexible nature of the invention permits adaptable integration into existing transportation infrastructure.

SUMMARY

[0024] The EV infrastructure of the present invention comprises: a customizable charging station comprised of at least one modular bollard having a form that is mountable upon a footing at one or more bollard attachment points upon a bollard attachment plate, and at least one expansion attachment element fashioned on a bollard expansion plate; electrical vehicle supply equipment sealably integrated with or connected to the modular bollard; and a foundation.

[0025] The customizable charging station can be fashioned with a structural trunk having at least a first end, a second end, and at least one sidewall extending a length between the first end and the second end. The first end is securable upon the at least one expansion attachment element fashioned on the bollard expansion plate, and the second end can fixedly engage with a functional unit such as a canopy, a security lamp, a surveillance camera, and/or a beam or joist.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a customizable charging station can be assembled on-site by identifying a point of utility interconnection; trenching to interconnection point; forming a foundation; and fastening a modular bollard upon the foundation. [0027] Yet another aspect of the invention includes a method for planning EV infrastructure based upon forecasted impacts upon holistic (or social), environmental, and financial factors. These factors can be calculated by inputting research data (which may include publically available figures); analyzing and calculating the research data to determine the most economically, environmentally and socially effective manner of installing a renewable energy powered charging infrastructure; followed by outputting holistic cost and benefit values, environmental cost and benefit values, and financial cost and benefit values, wherein the benefits are determined by a comparative analysis to fossil fuel transportation derived figures.

[0028] The inputs may include any number of metrics. For example, the research data may be comprised of electric vehicle market development, renewable and non-renewable energy, vehicles, financial forecasts, sales projections, tax codes and incentives, budgets, demographics, product life-cycles, greenhouse gas emissions, and/or ground-level air pollution.

[0029] Regarding the outputted figures, holistic economic costs and benefits may include the volume of fossil fuels saved by geographical area or community; the savings retained by a geographical area or community; and jobs created by geographical area or community. The environmental costs and benefits comprise carbon emission reduction values, and illustrational comparisons. The financial costs and benefits comprise electric vehicle charger and renewable energy capacity required to meet fueling demand; renewable energy credit revenue; forecasted charging revenue; a tax depreciation schedule; a vehicle depreciation schedule; a maintenance schedule, return on investment; and/or regional economic development and job growth.

[0030] Therefore it is an objective of the present invention to provide an EV

infrastructure charging station which overcomes the deficiencies known in the art. [0031] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a bollard that can be used as a standalone unit providing electrical vehicle supply equipment protection and user- friendly consumer/charger interaction.

[0032] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a bollard assembly that can be configured in numerous ways to become an integral part of new or existing structures.

[0033] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an EV charging bollard in combination with an EV structure suitable for delivering renewable energy from the sun to the power grid whenever the sun is shining.

[0034] It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a bollard assembly constructed and arranged to draw energy from the grid and through an integrated canopy solar array, whereby electric vehicles can be charged during the day or night, rain or shine.

[0035] An even further objective of the present invention is to provide a bollard assembly constructed and arranged to form a structural portion of a canopy type solar array whereby power generated from the solar array may be utilized for charging or delivered to an electrical grid.

[0036] Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide a method of planning EV infrastructure which can demonstrate the benefits of and need for EV infrastructure on any scale. Thus, community decision makers can make informed decisions regarding the scale of EV infrastructure that needs to be adopted and installed. For example, a community decision maker can use the invention to justify the costs associated with EV infrastructure investment. Furthermore, the EV infrastructure is adaptable and expandable and can, therefore, be altered to meet the ever changing needs of any community. [0037] The EV infrastructure described herein provides the added benefit that it is adaptable and expandable to meet the ever changing needs of any community, including the varied needs per geographically, socially, and economically distinct communities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 is a longitudinal front cross-sectional view of a modular bollard system for charging electric vehicles in combination with a concrete foundation.

[0039] Figure 2 is a partial perspective exploded view of the modular bollard system and electrical vehicle supply equipment.

[0040] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the modular bollard system in combination with a trunk member.

[0041] Figure 4 is a front view partially in section illustrating a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modular bollard and electrical vehicle supply equipment attached to a trunk and canopy.

[0043] Figure 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy.

[0044] Figure 7A is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a modular bollard and footing attached to a trunk and canopy.

[0045] Figure 7B is a partial perspective view taken along lines 7B-7B of Figure 7A illustrating various components that may be secured to the top surface of the modular bollard.

[0046] Figure 8 is a perspective view of multiple modular bollards supporting a roof structure. [0047] Figure 9 is a perspective view of multiple modular bollards supporting a roof structure.

[0048] Figure 10 is a front view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9.

[0049] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the modular bollard in combination with a light pole.

[0050] Figure 12A is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting a roof structure.

[0051] Figure 12B is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting a canopy.

[0052] Figure 12C is an alternative embodiment of the modular bollard illustrated directly supporting an alternative overhead structure.

[0053] Figure 12D is a perspective view of the modular bollard illustrated in Figures 12B and 12C.

[0054] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a method for planning electric vehicle infrastructure.

[0055] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 15 is a simplified flow chart regarding computer system operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and

embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific features illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 7B, a modular bollard system 100 for charging electric vehicles is illustrated. In this non-limiting embodiment, the modular bollard system depicted in Figure 1 includes a modular bollard assembly 102, (e.g., bollard 102) which may be a standalone unit preferentially prefabricated using any suitable material which may include, but should not be limited to, steel, aluminum, reinforced plastic, fiberglass, zinc or suitable combinations thereof for delivery to an EV infrastructure installation site, such as a municipal parking lot or the like. In general, the modular bollard system is constructed and arranged to receive electrical vehicle supply equipment 202 that further connects to pre-determined Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) while acting as a structural member of an overhead structure. To accomplish both tasks, the modular bollard assembly 102 includes a tubular central portion 101 having a hollow cavity 104, a first end portion 103 and a second end portion 105. The tubular central portion may be made to any tubular shape which may include polygons, cylinders, ovals, or suitable combinations thereof when viewed from the end, and includes a length which suits the expandable EV infrastructure or building. At the first end 103, the tubular central portion 101 includes a first expansion plate 120 fashioned with a hole or bolt pattern 107 (Figure 7B) to match various expansion caps 109, 111, 113, discussed below. In situations where the bollard 102 is installed as standalone EV infrastructure, the expansion plate 120 can be optionally fit with a matching expansion cap 109, 111, 113 until an adaptation/expansion need arises, allowing the expansion cap to be interchanged for a different cap. The expansion caps may be pointed 109 to prevent birds or debris from settling on the top surface of the bollard, flat 111 or include an extended structural trunk member 113 for support of an overhead structure. Fasteners 115 are the preferred means of securing the expansion caps to the first expansion plate 120. In this manner, the expansion caps are easily changed from one to another to allow greater versatility to the modular bollard assembly. The tubular central portion 101 includes a hollow cavity 104 and a prefabricated receiving port 106 which provides access to the hollow cavity.

[0059] At the base, the modular bollard assembly 102 may be anchored to the ground or asphalt 117 by attachment to a footing 112 at the one or more attachment points 108 located upon a second attachment plate 110 secured to the second end of the tubular member 101. The footing may be formed of reinforced concrete and may include a number of anchor means 114, such as bolts, arranged in a pattern to equally match the one or more bollard attachment points 108. The footing 112 can be reinforced by encasement of a reinforcing structure such as a rebar footing cage 116, which may be prefabricated as a singular element and optionally includes added features such as the anchor means 114. Further, the footing 112 can be formed about at least one internal conduit 118 to connect the bollard 102 to an electric utility grid.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the prefabricated receiving port 106 of the modular bollard 102 is fashioned to receive electrical vehicle supply equipment 202 that further connects to pre-determined EVSE. The electrical vehicle supply equipment 202 is sealably integrated with the modular bollard 102. The electrical vehicle supply equipment 202 may be selected from commercially available chargers, such as chargers manufactured by Charge Point, General Electric etc.

[0061] Still referring to Figures 2 and 3, the electrical vehicle supply equipment 202 is assembled with a housing 204 and a bezel 206, each of which may be prefabricated with a suitable material (e.g., steel or molded plastic) and sealed with a gasket 208 therebetween. The bezel 206 attaches flush to the face of the housing 204, when flush mounted in the receiving port 106. Further, bezel 206 may be fashioned to accommodate various EVSE. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, bezel 206 has a flange 210 that forms a channel for wrapping an EVSE cord when connected to the bollard 102. Alternatively, the EVSE may have a waterproof membrane and gutters, and does not have to contain a seal or bezel. Any EVSE can be surface mounted. Figure 3 also shows a service door panel 304, which provides access to the hollow cavity of bollard 102 and wiring therein from at least one internal conduit 118.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4, the modular bollard assembly 102 is illustrated in combination with an overhead structure 400. The modular bollard assembly 102 is fashioned with a structural trunk 402 comprising a first end 404, a second end 406, and at least one sidewall 408 extending a length between the first end and the second end. The second end 406 has at least one attachment point for a functional unit, such as a canopy 410. The canopy 410 is expandable and adaptable, and can extend the full length of the EV overhead structure 400. Thus, it is connectable to any number of modular bollards 102, as further described below. The canopy 410 can be installed in a predetermined orientation that can, for example, maximize the amount of protection offered to any EV engaged with the EV infrastructure 400. The canopy 410 can, therefore, serve as a roof system that helps keep an EV charging environment free of the elements such as precipitation, standing water and/or sunlight. Additionally, the modular bollard 102 may include a service entrance 119, which may be mounted upon an exterior surface of modular bollard 102 or located elsewhere on the EV infrastructure installation site. The service entrance 119 provides a point of electric utility grid interconnection, and may be selected from commercially available units, such as a combination meter/breaker box. The service entrance can provide access to infrastructure related components including, but not limited to, communications hardware, wiring, switches and controls. [0063] Further, as shown in Figure 5, the structural trunk 402 can also be fitted with various EVSE. For example, in EV infrastructure 500, the structural trunk 402 is fitted with an EVSE mounting bracket 502 that can be fixedly engaged with EVSE, such as a retractable lanyard 504 for charging cord 506 management. In one-nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket 502 can be slidably engaged with the structural trunk 402 such that the retractable lanyard 504 can be repositioned to accommodate various positions of a charging EV.

[0064] Figure 6 and Figure 7A show variations of the structural trunk 402 and orientation of the canopy 410. In one-nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the EV infrastructure may include a meter/breaker box 602 and between 1 and 3 electrical vehicle supply units 604, which are flush mounted upon a modular bollard (e.g., bollard 102). Further, the canopy 410 can be oriented in a direction (e.g., North-South) and at a predetermined fixed tilt angle (e.g., 15° relative to the horizon) to optimize average solar exposure at any latitude and/or provide protection to an EV underneath.

[0065] Referring to Figures 8-10, the number of modular bollards 102 can be adjusted according to EVSE infrastructure requirements. For example, additional bollards may be added to an EV infrastructure 800; wherein each bollard 102 may accommodate 1-3 additional electrical vehicle supply units (e.g., electrical vehicle supply equipment 202) and a functional unit, such as a canopy 410.

[0066] Still referring to Figures 8-10, the canopy 410 may also be fashioned with solar panels 802 that provide electrical energy back into an electrical utility grid by means of a service entrance (e.g. the combination meter/breaker box mentioned above). Thus, even where a functional unit comprises a renewable energy collection device such as solar panels 802, the EV infrastructure of the present invention remains dependent upon an electric utility grid. The solar panels 802 may be mounted from 0-90° relative to the canopy 410 to provide an average optimal solar collection position determined by the installation latitude.

[0067] With respect to Figure 11, the modular bollard assembly 102 can provide support for any suitable attachment. For example, EV infrastructure 1100 may be fashioned with a lighting attachment 1102 fixedly mounted upon the structural trunk 402.

[0068] The modular bollard 102 may be fabricated to any height, but is preferably between 4 feet and 12 feet tall. Further, the bollard 102 is capable of bearing loads up to or exceeding 600,000 pounds. Nevertheless, the bollard 102 load specifications are predetermined to an EV infrastructure arrangement by composition of materials and overall shape/size of the bollard 102. In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, such as the EV infrastructure of Figure 12A, one or more of the bollards 102 may be used to provide support for attachments and/or support for a structure, such as a dwelling or a parking deck. Alternatively, the bollards 102 may be used to provide support for other structures, such as a canopy 410 or alternative overhead structures 411 located in an outside parking lot associated with a building, see Figure 12B or 12C. Referring to Figure 12D, a perspective view of the bollards 102 illustrated in Figures 12B and 12C is shown with a footing illustrated as a concrete support pad 112

supporting the bollard above the asphalt surface 117.

[0069] Yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention includes a method for planning EV infrastructure based upon a comparative analysis of vehicle clusters. Vehicle clusters may include representative sample(s) of EVs, as well as representative sample(s) of vehicles that may be replaced by EV implementation (i.e., conventional internal combustion vehicles). [0070] A vehicle cluster for replaceable vehicles can be determined using the following criteria: 1) sample size; 2) the composition of the sample (e.g., vehicle model(s)); 3) fuel economy; 4) maintenance costs; 5) distance traveled; 6) fuel cost; 7) emissions; 8) fuel consumption; 9) infrastructure maintenance costs; and 10) income derived from the sale of petroleum-derived fuels. On the other hand, a comparison vehicle cluster for replacement vehicles (EVs) can be determined using the following criteria: 1) sample size; 2) the

composition of the sample (e.g., vehicle model(s)); 3) fuel economy; 4) maintenance savings; 5) distance traveled; 6) fuel savings; 7) emissions; 8) power consumption; 9) power costs; 10) economic retention; 11) EV infrastructure costs; 12) return on EV infrastructure investment; 13) consumer petroleum-derived fuels savings; and 14) jobs creation.

[0071] The calculations herein may be undertaken as part of a software program that is capable of execution upon a personal computer, mobile device, or a network server. Further, the comparative analysis may be used for cloud computing client services. In any case, the program may be used as a client consulting tool and/or provided to a customer on a pay per use or subscription based basis.

[0072] The aforementioned vehicle cluster data can be used to forecast impacts upon various holistic (or social), environmental, and financial factors. As shown in the method for planning EV infrastructure 1300 of Figure 13, these factors can be calculated by mining research data 1302, which may be derived from known databases; inputting research data 1304; and analyzing the research data to calculate outputs 1306 that represent the most economically, environmentally and socially effective manner of installing a renewable energy-powered charging infrastructure. The calculated outputs 1306 can be represented as holistic outputs 1308, financial outputs 1310, and/or environmental outputs 1312, wherein all outputs can comprise cost and benefit values by a comparative analysis to fossil fuel transportation derived figures.

[0073] The inputs may include any number of metrics. For example, the mined research data 1302 may be comprised of electric vehicle market development, renewable and nonrenewable energy, vehicles, financial forecasts, sales projections, tax codes and incentives, budgets, demographics, product life-cycles, greenhouse gas emissions, and/or ground-level air pollution.

[0074] Regarding the holistic outputs 1308, financial outputs 1310, and environmental outputs 1312, holistic costs and benefits may include the volume of fossil fuels saved by geographical area or community; the savings retained by a geographical area or community; and jobs created by geographical area or community. The environmental costs and benefits comprise carbon emission reduction values and/or energy consumption. The financial costs and benefits comprise electric vehicle charger and renewable energy capacity required to meet fueling demand; renewable energy credit revenue; forecasted charging revenue; a tax depreciation schedule; a vehicle depreciation schedule; a maintenance schedule; return on investment; and/or regional economic development and job growth. Job growth may be expressed as jobs created per kilowatt hour or as jobs created per electrical vehicle supply equipment.

[0075] The method 1300 of the present invention can overcome widespread

misunderstandings about EV battery safety, EV power on demand, energy consumption, and comparative efficiencies to the millions of combustion engine vehicles that are crippling the planet and economy.

[0076] The method is scalable. That is, the comparative analysis may be undertaken for any sized group of EV consumers, which in turn influences the size and/or number of vehicle clusters. Examples of calculated outputs for a community are represented in Table 1 and Table 2 which follow. Table 2 has been included as a single table in its entirety, and broken into Tables 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D which follow Table 2 for clarity.

[0077] Figure 14 schematically illustrates an additional embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a bollard system 100 includes a bollard 102 and, preferably, a structural trunk 402 mounted to the upper end of the bollard 102. Preferably, the bollard 102 and structural trunk 402 have hollow interior cavities 1500 and 1501, respectively. The bollard 102 includes electrical supply equipment 202, as described above, and includes a charging cord 506 and a suitable charging connector 507, also as described above. The bollard 102 can be mounted to a footing 112, also as described above. The cord 506 is operably connected to an energy source 1505 to conduct electricity between the connector 507 and the elements of the energy source 1505 described below.

[0078] The bollard system 100 includes an energy source system designated generally 1505. The energy source system 1505 is shown schematically in Figure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy source system 1505 includes a plurality of sources of input energy. As shown, the sources can include onsite energy storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries or a capacitor 1507 (hereinafter battery) and a combination battery capacitor system (also commonly referred to as a batcap) 1508. Other energy storage devices are known in the art, such as heat sinks, flywheels and the like. The energy system can also include other energy input devices such as solar panels 802, the energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery 1509, as can be found in EV's and the grid 1510. An inverter 1512 can be operably electrically connected between the battery 1509 and the grid 1510 and the remainder of the components of the energy source 1505. A charger control module 1514 can be operably electrically connected between the inverter 1512 and the battery 1509. The onsite storage devices, such as the batteries 1507 and batcaps 1508, are contained within a hollow interior 1500 and/or 1501 of the bollard system 100. The energy storage device 1509 can be connected to the bollard system 100 via the charging cord 506. The batteries 1507, batcaps 1508 and energy storage device 1509 are referred to herein as energy storage devices and receive their energy from a generated source of electrical energy such as the grid or fossil fuel powered generator (hereinafter generator) 1510, wind generator (not shown) and/or solar panels 802.

[0079] The charging cord 506 can be used as both an energy output connector and an energy input connector. For example, energy from the energy storage device 1509 can be transferred to the bollard system 100 via the charging cord 506.

[0080] The bollard system 100 includes a user interface, such as a computer system 1520, which functions as an electricity distribution control switch. The computer system 1520 can be physically located in or on the bollard 102, or can be part of the internet 1527 and can be operable wirelessly or by wire from the bollard 102 and/or through a portable device 1526 such as a smart phone or laptop. The portable device 1526 can also be part of the computer system 1520. The computer system 1520 includes a digital processor 1521 that is operably connected with a primary storage device 1522 (commonly referred to as memory) and/or a secondary storage device 1523. Primary and secondary storage are herein referred to as "storage" collectively, and can include one or both primary and secondary storage devices. The computer system 1520 is programmed to be operable to receive information, process information and disseminate information. As shown, the computer system can include an input device such as a key pad or touch display screen, and an output device such as a display screen. The portable device 1526 can provide some of the computer system components.

[0081] The computer system 1520 can provide information to a consumer regarding pricing to sell electricity and/or buy electricity from the consumer. It can also be operable to provide diagnostics on the consumer's EV power source 1509, such as charging time. It can also provide pricing for electricity from one of the storage devices 1507, 1508 as compared to electricity from the source 1510. It can also be used to bill the customer at the charging location or to a customer's account. It can make an offer to buy electricity from the consumer as stored in the storage device 1509. The computer system 1520 can issue a credit against future purchases by the consumer.

[0082] The computer system 1520 can gather cost information on electricity from the grid 1510 and compare it to the cost of bollard system generated electricity and determine which source is best to source the needed electricity at that time. It can also gather information about the ability of the system to source electricity from its own generating capacity, such as with the solar panels 802, and determine if the system can generate enough to meet anticipated needs.

[0083] Figure 15 schematically illustrates operation of the computer system 1520. The computer system 1520 gathers information, preferably from the Internet, at 1601. The information will include pricing information on electricity to be supplied, for example, from the grid 1510. The computer system will compare that cost to the cost of generating electricity at the site of the bollard, as for example with the solar panels 802. The cost of electricity can vary significantly by the time of day and the day of week, and would need to be regularly monitored. The computer system 1520 then determines which source of supply will be used to provide electricity to the storage devices, such as the batteries 1507 and batcaps 1508. Charging then commences upon instruction from the computer system 1520. This charging will continue as long as an adequate supply is available. If the supply is no longer available, for example, the sun sets and the solar panels are no longer operable, the computer system 1520 can switch supply sources to alternative electrical loads such as the grid 1510. The computer system 1520 can also determine, based on past sales, what the potential sales could be at 1603 to help ensure an adequate supply. The computer system 1520 can then determine how much electricity is needed for storage to meet anticipated needs, as at 1605. The computer system calculates the potential sales to ensure that adequate stored electricity is available. The computer system 1520 can then set sale pricing and purchase pricing, as at 1607.

[0084] A consumer visits the bollard system 100 and queries the computer system 1520 about pricing for sales and purchases, if both options are desired, at 1609, or provide only one price if desired. If a purchase is intended, the consumer buys at 1611 and charges the storage device 1509 to the degree desired by the consumer. If the consumer determines to sell electricity stored in the device 1509, the consumer can select sell, at 1613, and the bollard system 100 will then accept electricity from the device 1509 for storage in one of its storage devices 1507, 1508. The computer system 1520 can then, at the option of the consumer, pay the consumer at 1615, for example, through a credit on their credit card, or credit the consumer for a future purchase, storing said credit information for future use.

[0085] The computer system 1520 is also operable to determine which source of electricity to use to input electricity into the storage devices 1507, 1508, as at 1630. Once the source is selected, the computer will then initiate input of electricity to the devices 1507, 1508, as at 1632. The computer system 1520 will monitor the input of electricity and, if the source initially selected is not adequate, the computer system can then switch to another source, as at 1634.

[0086] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described presently preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. [0087] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0088] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1. A charging station, comprising:

at least one modular bollard assembly having a structural tubular form that is mounted upon a footing, said modular bollard assembly including a tubular portion and a trunk member secured to the tubular portion, the bollard assembly having a hollow inner cavity,

said tubular portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, said first end portion having a first expansion plate attached thereto,

said first expansion plate having a first plurality of apertures therethrough,

said first plurality of apertures constructed and arranged to cooperate with said vertically extending structural trunk member,

at least one electrical energy storage device mounted in said cavity and being electrically operably connected to electrical vehicle supply equipment,

at least one generated source of electricity electrically and operably connected to said electrical supply equipment,

an electricity distribution control switch electrically operably connected to said energy storage device and said generated source of electricity and operable to control which said source is operable to supply electricity to said electrical vehicle supply equipment, and

said tubular portion including a receiving port through a side wall thereof and having a side window, said side window sized and shaped to include at least a portion of said electrical vehicle supply equipment, said side wall being constructed of a material and having a sufficient strength to function as a structural support member of an overhead structure.

Claim 2. The charging station of Claim 1 wherein said energy storage device includes at least one of a rechargeable battery, a capacitor and a batcap.

Claim 3. The charging station of Claim 2 wherein said generated source of electricity including at least one of a solar panel, wind generator, grid source and generator.

Claim 4. The charging station of Claim 3 wherein said control switch includes a computer system programmed to allow a consumer to select an option to purchase electricity or sell electricity and display a price for each.

Claim 5. The charging station of Claim 3 wherein the control switch includes a computer system programmed to receive price information regarding the cost of generated electricity from at least two sources selected from solar panels, a wind generator, a grid and a generator, and select which source to use to input electricity to said electrical energy storage device.

Claim 6. The charging station of Claim 5 wherein said overhead structure includes at least one photovoltaic panel secured thereon.

Claim 7. The charging station of Claim 5 wherein said overhead structure is a canopy, said canopy including a single vertical support member, said modular bollard assembly forming a portion of said vertical support member.

Claim 8. The charging station of Claim 5 wherein said overhead structure is a canopy, said canopy including a plurality of vertical support members, at least one said modular bollard assembly forming a portion of each said vertical support member.

Claim 9. The charging station of Claim 1 wherein said electrical vehicle supply equipment includes a housing and a bezel sealed with a gasket therebetween, said bezel attaching substantially flush to a face of said housing.