Objective Objectives The overall project objective is to substantially reduce the uncertainties involved in predicting environmentally radiated noise levels from wind farms, by the development of an optimum noise propagation prediction code, on which the upper and lower bounds of confidence limits can be placed using this procedure. This will be achieved by comparing source generated noise levels measured at varying distances from the source over differing complexities of terrain, with those predicted using a number of popular sound propagation models. Specific objectives within the project are : - establish the important parameters controlling the propagation of wind farm noise to the far field; - develop a planning tool for predicting wind farm noise imission levels under practically encountered conditions; - place confidence limits on noise predictions by defining an envelope in which sound pressure levels are likely to lie, thus enabling developers to quantify the risk potential nuisance to nearby residents. Technical Approach The work encompasses a complete experimental study of outdoor noise propagation in relation to wind farms. This will be processed into the development of an optimum code for the prediction of wind farm noise radiation. The work to be undertaken includes: - simultaneous long term measurement of sound pressure levels at multiple locations at varying distances away from a controlled, high powered, loudspeaker sound source in differing complexities of topography as a function of meteorological conditions; - simultaneous long term measurement of sound pressure levels at multiple locations at varying distances away from a number of operational wind farms in differing complexities of topography as a function of meteorological conditions and turbine power output; - correlation of the near and far field sound pressure levels; - performance assessment of existing noise propagation codes leading to the development of an optimal noise calculation procedure and the setting of confidence limits on the far field noise levels predicted using this optimal code. Expected Achievements and Exploitation The unique and highly empirical approach to solving the wind farm noise propagation problem, will be led by observations and measured data rather than starting from a theoretical standpoint. Major potential benefits of the current project are: Increased potential of wind source: - sites which had previously not been exploited owing to potential noise disturbance at nearby dwellings will become more accessible. - ropagation of sound in complex terrain will become better understood, thus allowing sites where the dwellings are sheltered from wind to be exploited. Reduced cost of energy: - reater realisation of site source resulting from an increased understanding of noise propagation. - lower perceived risk from investors and banks. - less likelihood of a justifiable complaint resulting in curtailment of the operation. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyplanetary sciencesplanetary geology Programme(s) FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0304 - Wind energy Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator Hoare Lea and Partners EU contribution No data Address 140 Aztec West BS12 4TX Almondsbury United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Acoustica A/S Denmark EU contribution No data Address 2,Sohngardsholmsvej 9000 Ålborg See on map Total cost No data RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS LTD. United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Elmbank, 11 Office 2 G2 4PB GLASGOW See on map Total cost No data
