Long range propagation modeling of offshore wind turbine construction noise using Finite Element and Parabolic Equation models

Abstract

Noise generated by marine pile driving during offshore wind turbine construction radiates into and propagates through the air, water, and ocean bottom. Predicting noise levels around wind turbine support structures at sea is required to estimate the effects of the noise on marine life. We use Finite Element (FE) and Parabolic Equation (PE) models to predict long range propagation of noise from the construction of offshore wind turbines. FE analysis produced pressure outputs at short ranges which are used as a starting field for a modified PE propagation model. In FE analysis models, we implement the axisymmetric elements and implicit and steady state dynamic analysis with pressure impact loading on top of the pile to simulate pile driving noise radiation. This paper shows the modified PE long range pressure field outputs from the offshore wind turbine support structure in a shallow water environment around Block Island, Rhode Island.