Wind turbine noise primer

Authors

  • Beth D. Regan HDR Engineering, Inc., 6190 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416, United States
  • Timothy G. Casey HDR Engineering, Inc., 6190 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416, United States

Keywords:

Acoustic wave propagation, Aerodynamics, Electric power generation, Geographic information systems, Impulse noise, Noise pollution, Aerodynamic noise, Meteorological data, Noise regulations, Wind turbine noise

Abstract

A wind turbine is a modern machine that generates electricity from wind. Wind turbines generate four types of noise: tonal, broadband, low frequency, and impulsive. Another way to look at wind turbine noise is to consider its sources. There are two fundamental categories, mechanical and aerodynamic. Mechanical noise is transmitted along the structure of the turbine and is radiated from its surfaces. Aerodynamic noise is produced by the flow of air over the blades. In the United States, wind farm siting often requires compliance with state and/or local noise regulations. Common practice is to determine minimum setback distances from residences to comply with the most stringent noise limit. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a valuable tool in this type of analysis, particularly when current aerial photographs are available in GIS-ready format. Although recent technology advances has decreased overall noise levels, tonal noise still remains a concern during the planning process. Detailed meteorological data is available for most portions of the United States, however it is not commonly used to evaluate wind turbine noise. The authors of this paper are studying the creation of a GIS-based model that utilizes detailed met data in the propagation of wind turbine noise.

Additional Files

Published

2006-06-01

How to Cite

1.
Regan BD, Casey TG. Wind turbine noise primer. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2006 Jun. 1 [cited 2025 Feb. 19];34(2):3-6. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1790

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 2 (2006)

Section

Technical Articles

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