Wind turbine sound power measurements.

Stephen E Keith,Allison Denning,Sonia A Voicescu,Werner Richarz,Katya Feder,Victor Soukhovtsev,Jason Tsang,Frits Van Den Berg,Norm Broner

doi:10.1121/1.4942405

Abstract

This paper provides experimental validation of the sound power level data obtained from manufacturers for the ten wind turbine models examined in Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study (CNHS). Within measurement uncertainty, the wind turbine sound power levels measured using IEC 61400-11 [(2002). (International Electrotechnical Commission, Geneva)] were consistent with the sound power level data provided by manufacturers. Based on measurements, the sound power level data were also extended to 16 Hz for calculation of C-weighted levels. The C-weighted levels were 11.5 dB higher than the A-weighted levels (standard deviation 1.7 dB). The simple relationship between A- and C- weighted levels suggests that there is unlikely to be any statistically significant difference between analysis based on either C- or A-weighted data.

Highlights

The modelled outdoor A-weighted wind turbine sound pressure level (SPL) at a residence was used as the main measure of exposure to wind turbine noise (WTN) in the Community Noise and Health Study (CNHS) as it is consistent with current practice for wind turbine siting in Canada
To support the calculation of SPLs at dwellings this paper presents the results of field measurements made of wind turbine sound power levels, based on the 2nd edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400–11 wind turbine standard (IEC, 2002) with corrections so as to conform to the current edition of this standard (IEC, 2012)
As a result of testing, all of the wind turbine measurements were adjusted to account for a wet primary windscreen

Summary

Introduction

The modelled outdoor A-weighted wind turbine sound pressure level (SPL) at a residence was used as the main measure of exposure to wind turbine noise (WTN) in the Community Noise and Health Study (CNHS) as it is consistent with current practice for wind turbine siting in Canada. To support the calculation of SPLs at dwellings this paper presents the results of field measurements made of wind turbine sound power levels, based on the 2nd edition of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400–11 wind turbine standard (IEC, 2002) with corrections so as to conform to the current edition of this standard (IEC, 2012). The results are used to validate the sound power level provided by the manufacturers. The field measurements enabled the extension of the manufacturers’ data to lower frequencies for the determination of C-weighted sound power levels

Methods

Results

Conclusion