reeves hill windfarm
Noise
An assessment of the potential noise impact associated with the proposed wind energy development at Reeves Hill has been performed. The guidance contained within ETSU-R-97 has been used to assess the potential noise impact of the proposed development.
Sources of noise during operation of a wind turbine are mechanical (from machinery housed within the turbine nacelle) and aerodynamic (from the movement of the blades through the air). Modern turbines are designed to minimise mechanical noise emissions from the nacelle through isolation of mechanical components and acoustic insulation of the nacelle. Aerodynamic noise is controlled through the design of the blade tips and edges.
While noise from the wind turbines does increase with wind speed, at the same time ambient background noise (for example wind in trees) usually increases at a greater rate.
Background noise measurements were made at five locations neighbouring the proposed wind farm based upon preliminary predictions.
Analysis of the measured data has been performed in accordance with ETSU-R-97 to determine the pre-existing background noise environment at these locations.
Predictions of wind turbine noise have been made, based upon a guaranteed sound power level for an Enercon E70 2.3 MW machine and a calculation procedure which is considered to be worst-case.
Predicted levels and measured background noise levels indicate that, for the majority of circumstances, at all receptor locations neighbouring the proposed site, wind turbine noise will meet the Lower Amenity Hours and Night-time Noise Criteria proposed within ETSU-R-97.
Noise during construction can be managed through specifying working hours and equipment, defining (and minimising) access routes and as far as possible minimising traffic levels.
