In the very future ‘green’ technology should just be limited to vehicles and every day devices. The mobile element of zero emission mechanisms should be dispersed among various societal (or rather public oriented) static components for a collective approach of sustainability. Now there are some structural considerations that clearly allude to this total state of ‘greenness’. Solar powered charging stations are one of these ‘static’ institutions that not only recharge with clean energy but also generate clean electricity for further consumption. So here is a list of the 10 fascinating yet credible energy generating parking concepts (carports) for electric cars that we should all take a peek at.
1. Solar parking lot
Conceived by designers Klaud Wasiak and Yongbang Ho, the Solar Parking Lot is an offshore solar powered carport with a clear distinction. The main structural component will consist of a solar power concentrating tower that can practically utilize the windshields and hoods of the cars as heliostats (mirror used for reflecting and convergence effect o sunlight). The clean power generated can be used by the cars themselves, while the extra bit is fed back to the main grid.
2. Smart Tower parking
Designer Roberto Dei Lidi has conceptualized a fully automated system which would spatially manage the parking of the cars by specifically allotted cubicles known as ‘car shelves’. This array of spaces will be arranged along the mechanized smart tower. The whole system will be powered by a dual system of wind turbines and integrated solar cells.
3. Nejur Andrei’s solar parking
Romanian designer Nejur Andrei has come across a novel carport concept in which the solar charging will be achieved by a wireless mechanism. The energy is to be harvested by a solar canopy atop the station, and this charge is then transmitted to a underground coil system covered by asphalt. This system in turn will facilitate the propagation of acquired power onto the car via a receiving coil situated under the car body.
4. Toyotaâs solar-powered EV charging stations
The world’s largest automaker is here to contrive ‘green’ projects on a grand scale. In an ambitious move, the company has envisaged a total of 21 solar stations at 11 different places within Toyota City. One of them has already started its operation with 1.9KW of solar power producing capacity, which is stored in an 8.4KWh battery pack. The port is also linked with the main grid, in case there is no sufficient availability of solar energy.
5. Envision Solar envisions parking lots as solar generators
Envision Solar has ‘envisioned’ a collective approach to gather clean and green solar power through ordinary parking lots. The company will design pre-fabricated solar ‘trees’ that can be assembled and installed in existing parking lots. These components can be used for charging EVs as well as illumination during night time. Moreover, each one of them can be fitted with special systems that would help in rainwater harvesting.
6. Energy Forest â A nature-inspired way to facilitate the grid with clean energy
A confluence of vivacious nature and advanced technology – the Energy Forest will dually feature artificial and natural plants for producing clean and green power. The culmination of the plants will result in a self sustaining forest eco-system, which would utilize a plethora of green techniques like harvesting of solar energy from photovoltaic cells, wind energy from turbines and water collecting mechanisms. In relation to vehicular charging, the cars can be connected to charging kiosks of the artificial solar plants.
7. Evoasisâ Solar Charging Station
Evoasis has taken the conscientious yet convenient way of coming with a proposal that calls for dilapidated gas stations in Britain to be converted to full fledged solar recharging stations. One of them with a capacity for 20 cars, will have 12 different spots (with power outlets) for speedy charging of electric vehicles. The station will also act as a sort of public space with a recreational lounge for dining and drinking.
8. Solar Forest keeps your EV cool and charges it as well
Conceived by designer Neville Mars, the Solar Energy Forest conception can be described as a fascinating fusion of landscaping and advanced sustainability. The canopies of the solar trees will be comprised of an array of minuscule photovoltaic cells, while their trunk part will contain power outlets for plugging of EVs. And if that’s not enough; the whole system will also provide much needed shading during prevailing hot conditions.
9. Geotecturaâs Green Gasoline Station offers solar-powered EV charging
The fruit of the collaboration of design farm Geotectura and Malka Architects, this uniquely artistic conception will have a multitude of customer oriented utilities. The circular plan accentuates the level of accessibility of vehicles, with personalized recharge poles for each of the individual cars. Moreover, the station will also be spatially zoned into a service area and a café, both of which will be located underground for facilitation of user circulation.
10. Solar Plug-in Car Station will recharge your EV on renewable energy
Electric vehicles can only be considered green when their energy source comes from a renewable system. In view of this dictum, designer Tom Miller has envisaged a modular solar parking system that can be assembled and installed at particular locations. The control mechanism would utilize an open source software for enhanced customer interaction, while their vehicle can powered by ‘clean and green’ solar energy.