Predicting and controlling heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems noise: A comparison of computer noise control prediction tools and their potential pitfalls

Abstract

Appropriate background noise levels for mechanical systems are critical for a successful use of any project. There are several computer software packages that acousticians use to evaluate the background noise levels in a space; of course, the acoustician needs to understand all of the inputs into the programs to fully understand the outputs. We will discuss strategies to use these noise prediction tools successfully, including how to evaluate noise sources and translate manufacturer data to input into the programs, how to evaluate various noise paths together for one space, and how to consider sound propagation of different noise sources. We will compare several different and widely available computer noise prediction programs and discuss the positives and challenges of using each one, including the author's assessment of which circumstances lend themselves best to one program versus another.