Wind-Farm Acoustics

Wind farm operations require the ability to control environmental noise impact on the neighbourhood. We work at various levels to provide comprehensive, long-term solutions to the noise issues connected with the installation and operation of wind farms.

Acoustic impact study

We offer our acoustic expertise to take noise impact into account as early as possible in the project and provide solutions to meet regulatory requirements. Our main objective is to find the best compromise between optimal wind-farm output and noise abatement.

We offer a range of complementary services:
 • Acoustic measurements of initial conditions (excluding operating turbines)
We measure the residual noise perceivable by neighbours potentially affected by the future wind farm. These measurements are performed in correlation with wind data (direction and speed) taken at the same place.

We also use our in-house developed software, SIM-EOL® designed specifically to measure wind-farm acoustics.  This software allows fast, agile post-processing of acoustic measurements in correlation with weather data.

 • Predictive studies
Based on 3D modelling using the existing-conditions report and the data provided by the client, our predictive studies outline the post-project sound environment.
They show the changes in the sound environment, its impact on the project and the neighbourhood, as well as the project’s impact on the environment. Accordingly, we offer optimisation solutions to meet the applicable regulations and ensure optimal wind-farm output (for example, adjustable rotation speed limiters).

 

Acceptance measurements

In the same way as for initial conditions, we work onsite to confirm noise impact on the completed wind farm’s neighbourhood. Based on the results of our analysis, we are then able to recommend improvement solutions if necessary.

Acoustic & vibration monitoring/surveillance

Our acoustic monitoring stations allow us to perform acoustic measurements over the long term, to characterise the wind-farm environment much more precisely. We can then correlate this data with weather and rainfall data to raise the noise thresholds that trigger abatement measures, to optimise the wind farm’s power output.

Similarly, if necessary we incorporate vibration monitoring to characterise the vibra-acoustic phenomena created in its vicinity and recommend abatement solutions.

Lastly, our stations allow us to monitor vibration drift over time to anticipate maintenance issues.