The success of the first solar-powered tsunami evacuation tower in the United States has generated renewed interest in similar projects, potentially leading to the construction of a second tower in the region. The original tower, built for the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Tokeland, Washington, was completed in 2021 with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and features a critical backup power system designed by Solar Electric Supply (SES).
This groundbreaking project has proven its worth in ensuring community safety during potential seismic and tsunami threats. The tower's success has caught the attention of nearby tribes, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of such structures in coastal areas vulnerable to tsunamis.
The 50-foot-tall evacuation tower, designed to withstand both earthquake and tsunami forces, incorporates an outdoor-rated UPS power system that provides emergency lighting and radio communications during tidal wave events. This custom-designed system, developed in collaboration with Degenkolb Engineering, features UL Listed Lithium Battery & Electronics outdoor-rated enclosures prewired with AC and DC distribution, overload, and surge protection.
One of the key features of the backup power system is its ability to seamlessly switch between grid power and backup power, ensuring uninterrupted operation during power outages. The system utilizes advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries by Discover Energy, capable of delivering 16 hours of emergency power for critical loads. With a total capacity of 22.4 kWh, the system employs eight 24VDC batteries, a Schneider Electric Conext 4 kW DC to AC Sine Wave Inverter for reliable AC power, and a TDK Lambda 250W DC to DC converter for powering critical wireless radio equipment.
The importance of this project extends beyond its technological achievements. Lee Shipman, Executive Director of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, emphasized the tower's critical role in community safety, stating, "This allows folks, even if it's 2:30 in the morning in your pajamas, to scoop up your family and make it here in a very short amount of time – in under a 15-minute window for nearly everyone from Tokeland Point to the heart of the reservation."
The success of this project has implications for coastal communities across the United States. Major General Bret Daugherty, head of the Washington National Guard and state Military Department, highlighted the need for more such structures, stating, "We need about 50 more." This underscores the potential for similar projects to be implemented in other tsunami-prone areas, significantly enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness.
The development of the tsunami evacuation tower was the result of extensive research and collaboration between various agencies. FEMA and NOAA conducted research on building structures capable of withstanding earthquake and tsunami forces, while the Washington Emergency Management Division's Project Safe Haven guided vulnerability assessments, evacuation planning, and vertical evacuation needs assessments.
The success of this project demonstrates the potential for innovative solar energy solutions to play a crucial role in disaster preparedness and community safety. As climate change continues to impact coastal regions, the demand for such resilient structures is likely to increase. The possibility of a second solar-powered tsunami evacuation tower in the region indicates a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable and reliable emergency infrastructure.
This project also showcases the potential for collaboration between government agencies, engineering firms, and renewable energy companies to create solutions that address critical safety needs while promoting sustainable practices. As more communities seek to enhance their resilience against natural disasters, the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's solar-powered tsunami evacuation tower serves as a model for future projects, potentially influencing emergency preparedness strategies across the country.
