Considerations for noise control design in retrofit Combined Heat and Power Plants for Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants have gained popularity in industrial and institutional applications due to their ability to recapture and repurpose wasted heat energy from the power generation process, resulting in significant energy savings and carbon emission reductions. However, noise control considerations have become increasingly critical in retrofit CHP systems, particularly in healthcare facilities. Often, strict noise performance requirements must be met due to the proximity of residential communities and to ensure a comfortable healing environment for patients.This technical paper explores critical noise control considerations for retrofit CHP systems in healthcare facilities, focusing on a case study from Hamilton Health Sciences, a healthcare network in Ontario, Canada. The paper examines the design challenges of upgrading the existing CHP plants across three separate hospitals when addressing stringent sound performance, system ventilation, air tempering, and structural capacity limitations within a limited space. The paper also discusses the unique sound attenuation design solutions implemented to address these challenges.The case study demonstrates the successful implementation of combining noise control design, ventilation design, and structural design into one integrated solution, specifically to overcome common design challenges in retrofit CHP systems.