Wind Farm Noise Assessments
Wind Energy Developments are unique in that the noise they generate at a given location can vary with both wind speed and direction. The noise impact of development also depends in part on the extent of background noise generated by the wind in the absence of the development. It is therefore crucial that a robust noise impact assessment is conducted to ensure the noise impact of the wind farm is fully understood.
Relevant Guidance
Currently, the Wind Energy Development Guidelines (2006) contain recommended noise limits to control operational noise from wind turbines. Current industry practice is to assess the wind farm noise against these guidelines. The methodology for measuring, predicting, and assessing wind farm noise is outlined in the documents:
- ETSU-R-97 The Assessment and Rating of Noise From Wind Farms
- The Institute of Acoustics Good Practice Guide for assessment of wind turbine noise (including supplementary guidance notes)
Special Audible Characteristics
Although uncommon, wind turbines and wind farms can generate special audible characteristics, including
- Tonality
- Amplitude Modulation
- Low Frequency Noise
It is highly unlikely that any specific information on special audible characteristics will be available at the planning application stage. However, it has become more common to control the presence of such characteristics within planning conditions. At Amplitude, we can identify such audible characteristics through advanced data processing techniques.
Our Services
Amplitude is a technical specialist in noise from windfarms and ancillary infrastructure. Our services include
- Baseline Noise Monitoring
- Noise Prediction Modelling:
- EIAR Noise Chapters:
- Operational Noise Monitoring.
- Tonality Assessment
- Amplitude Modulation Assessments
- Low Frequency Noise Assessments
- Noise Complaints Investigations
- Expert Evidence
- Due Diligence Reviews
Our Experience
As one of the leading acoustic consultancies in Ireland, Amplitude has extensive experience in Wind Farm Noise Assessments. Example projects include
Bilboa WindFarm, Co. Carlow
Carnsore Point Windfarm, Co. Wexford
Crockahenny WindFarm, Co. Donegal
Grousemount WindFarm, Co. Kerry
Contact Us
Should you have any questions regarding our Windfarm Noise Assessment services contact us today at dublin@amplitudeeacoustics.com.