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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

A preliminary estimation of the expected noise levels from the Swedish wind energy conversion system (WECS) prototypes Maglarp and Naesudden

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6169340

Noise levels for horizontal axis turbines whose diameter 75 m and electric power output 2 to 3 MW were predicted. Noise criteria in view of Swedish regulations and the effects of wind dependent background noise are considered. Highest sound pressure levels are recorded downwind, due to source directionality. Wind also introduces downward refraction and extra damping due to prolonged propagation path. Unexpectedly large low frequency noise values can exist where blade passage frequency and natural vortex separation frequency are similar. Problems with unpleasant low frequency noise could be overcome by setting sound level maxima of 40 dBA or 55 dBC in urban areas, 35 dBA or 55 dBC in recreation areas, and by lowering these limits by 5 dB for impulse and tonal noise. Rise in background noise level caused by increased wind speed should be accounted for when setting limits.

Research Organization:
Flygtekniska Foersoeksanstalten, Stockholm (Sweden)
OSTI ID:
6169340
Report Number(s):
N-8227876; FFA-TN-1982-01
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English