초록 ▼

A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric car (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The PV assembly may include a monolithi

A PV roof assembly (6) includes a roof (12) mountable to an electric car (4), and a PV assembly (10) at the upper part of the roof. The PV assembly may be mounted to a separate roof surface (34) or the PV assembly may itself constitute all or part of the roof. The PV assembly may include a monolithic PV panel (14) with a plurality of PV cells (20). The roof may define a storage region (32) accessible through a closable access opening (44). The roof may include a circumferential lip (24) which extends around and above the PV assembly to help prevent damage to the PV panel. The roof may include a protective, at least semi-transparent top layer (60), an at least semi-transparent bottom layer (62) and a semi-transparent PV layer (64) secured between and in contact with the top and bottom layers to create a roof which is itself semi-transparent. The ratio of PV cells to the number of battery cells may be chosen to create a self-regulating design. A misting system (55) with roof-mounted misting outlets (53) can be used for enhanced comfort during hot weather. A graphical display may be used to provide the driver with, for example, energy production and battery charge level.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An electric vehicle photovoltaic (PV) charging system, the system usable with an electric vehicle, comprising:a roof, mountable to an electric vehicle, comprising a support surface;a PV assembly secured to the support surface;the PV assembly comprising a PV panel having

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An electric vehicle photovoltaic (PV) charging system, the system usable with an electric vehicle, comprising:a roof, mountable to an electric vehicle, comprising a support surface;a PV assembly secured to the support surface;the PV assembly comprising a PV panel having a circumferential edge and the roof comprising:a circumferential lip extending around and above the PV assembly, whereby the circumferential lip helps to prevent damage to the PV panel;the circumferential lip and the circumferential edge defining a gap therebetween; anda rain gutter formed below the gap so that water flowing through the gap is collected in the rain gutter.