Solar Canopy / EV Dock

An Elegant Refueling Station

The solar canopy, along Lake Michigan on Chicago’s Northerly Island, is a public docking station for refueling of electric powered cars, bicycles and scooters.

We provided structural engineering and steel detailing to Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture for the award-winning 11-foot-tall solar canopy / EV dock consisting of three tons of architecturally exposed structural steel. The prototype, completed in 2010, is composed of a tree-like steel superstructure that can support up to 900 pounds of solar equipment, a 300-square-foot canopy featuring photovoltaic panels, and a subterranean concrete foundation anchoring the structure to the ground.

Highlights

• Utilizing 3D CAD and 3D analysis to design the compound curves in the smallest diameter pipes possible, the structure attained a graceful appearance that limits encroachments on parking spaces.

• We minimized bolted connections in favor of welds, contributing to the project’s elegant design.

• To further reduce cost and improve quality control, we decreased fieldwork by performing as much of the fabrication in the steel shop as possible.

• From concept to working prototype, the solar canopy design was completed in 25 days.

• The design allows also for a single, stand-alone unit or for multiple structures to be linked side-by-side.

• It can generate enough electricity to power up to 30,000 carbon-free miles per year for two vehicles.