
This spring, ColeBreit was proud to join forces with Deschutes County on an important mission: making the county more resilient in the face of natural disasters. Our team was selected to conduct a Resiliency Study at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, a critical evacuation site during emergencies. The goal? Ensure uninterrupted access to clean water and power during an emergency.
Partnering with two talented OSU-Cascades students, our team dove into evaluating the site’s existing electrical systems. Together, we delivered a comprehensive Feasibility Study, outlining the upgrades needed to establish a micro-grid backup power system. Beyond the technical work, this collaboration gave the students invaluable, real-world engineering experience—showing them firsthand how their skills can directly impact community safety and resilience.
Below we share the key technical aspects of the Feasibility Study.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Resiliency Study (summary)
Project Overview:
The fairgrounds will implement a solar PV and battery system to power a new well and water system, which will support irrigation and potable water.
The project is intended to provide off-grid energy during emergencies, with the system sized to operate without utility power for up to 20 hours.
Energy Usage:
The system will support several loads, including:
A 50 hp well pump for irrigation and water supply.
Water treatment equipment.
(2) 1" conduits to a pull box for future EV chargers.
A mini power zone on Sagebrush arena that can be used for lighting and other minor loads.
Renewable Energy System:
A 147kW solar PV system is proposed, utilizing Q Peaks 420W panels with a fixed tilt angle of 20 degrees above azimuth oriented due South, optimal for annual energy production.
The battery energy storage system will have a minimum capacity of 650 kWh, designed to provide power for 20 hours in emergencies.
Seasonal Considerations:
The system's energy production will vary significantly between summer and winter due to seasonal sunlight variations. The winter months will require supplemental energy, possibly from a portable generator, to ensure uninterrupted service.
Battery Options:
Three battery technologies were evaluated:
Flow batteries: Long-lasting and non-toxic, but less energy-dense.
Lithium-Ion: High energy density but prone to degradation.
Sol-Ark Lithium-Ion: The final choice, paired with Sol-Ark inverters to provide 650 kWh of storage.
Backup Generator:
A 400A 480/277V generator tap box is included for use with a 125kW portable diesel generator during prolonged outages or when solar resources are limited (e.g., during winter or wildfire smoke).
Microgrid System:
The PV system will function as a microgrid, capable of operating independently from the utility grid during emergencies. Hybrid inverters that have "smart systems" will act as the microgrid controller to manage energy production and distribution, ensuring priority loads like water pumping are met first.
The Resiliency Study for the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center is more than just a technical project—it’s a commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. With the proposed 147 kW solar PV system and 650 kWh battery storage, the Fair and Expo Center will be equipped to serve as a reliable hub during emergencies, providing critical resources like clean water and EV charging. By integrating renewable energy and cutting-edge microgrid technology, Deschutes County will be prepared for the unexpected, ensuring continuous operation even in the face of power outages or natural disasters.
At ColeBreit, we are proud to play a part in strengthening our community’s resilience. Collaborating with OSU-Cascades students not only allowed us to share real-world engineering experience but also helped foster the next generation of problem solvers. Together, we’re building a safer, more sustainable future for Deschutes County—and that’s something we can all be proud of.