The Differences between Measured and Predicted Noise Levels from Wind Farms
When planning a new wind farm, it is essential to obtain a reliable estimate of the future noise impact. An underestimation of the noise impact can lead to complaints and subsequent possible loss of efficiency due to mitigation schemes like a temporary shutdown or the use of curtailment strategies. On the other hand, an overestimation of the noise impact leads to an underdevelopment of the wind park potential.
By Luc Schillemans, Tractebel, Belgium
A joint research project between Engie, Laborelec and Tractebel was set up to investigate the reliability of noise simulations. This was done for three selected wind farms in Brittany, France. Detailed noise measurement campaigns were organised for several weeks. Numeric simulations were done with, on one hand, the widely used but basic ISO9613 method and, on the other hand, the much more advanced but rarely used Nord2000 method.
