Improve the understanding of wind turbin noise
The primary objective of the project is to improve the understanding of wind turbine noise (WTN) generation, propagation and impact on humans, under all Norwegian atmospheric and topographic conditions – to support planning, development and operation of wind power plants.
This is obtained via the following secondary objectives:
- SO1: Improve understanding of how humans perceive WTN and how this perception is affected by different acoustic
- and non-acoustic factors.
- SO2: Identify limitations in existing WTN source models and extend their capabilities to cover all relevant conditions
- and locations, with special focus on Norwegian conditions.
- SO3: Develop engineering models for noise propagation that provide accurate predictions in all relevant conditions
- and locations and that provide noise metrics required to better predict the impact of WTN on human individuals.
- SO4: Develop a digital twin that predicts noise emissions from wind turbine parks coupled to models for power production.
Concerns about noise from the turbines
Wind turbines is a mature technology with a proven track record and is seen as a fast and affordable way to significantly increase Norway's renewable energy capacity by 2030. However, local communities often oppose wind farm development due to concerns about noise from the turbines.
Understanding of wind turbine noise in complex Norwegian terrain
While the low-frequency noise from wind turbines is well-studied, a complete understanding of how WTN is generated, propagated and perceived in Norway's complex terrain is lacking. Uneven landscapes cause complex wind fields and unpredictable sound propagation, affecting the noise levels in nearby dwellings.
Experience from several operating wind farms, in particular in complex terrain, show that the actual noise level at recipients differ from the results of the noise modelling done in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), leading to approval difficulties for wind farm projects and negative experiences for the local community.
The annoyance caused by WTN is found to vary a lot between individuals, affected by both acoustic (noise related) and non-acoustic (visibility, involvement, etc) factors. The influence of different factors need to be better understood and even country specific differences may be of importance.
Improving wind turbine noise models
Similarly, there is a need to better understand the different parameters influencing the noise generation and propagation, and to develop more accurate WTN prediction models. This research project aims to bridge these critical gaps in knowledge — on wind turbine noise behavior in complex Norwegian terrain . The project will gather noise- and environmental data from existing wind farms across the country, and will explore subjective annoyance by social surveys. These real-world data will be used to develop more accurate noise modelling tools. Additionally, these tools will be utilized to develop strategies for optimizing the operation of wind farms with respect to power generation, while better controlling the noise impact on local residents.
PreWinT will provide new insights on how humans perceive WTN, and improved noise prediction models and methods to optimise power generation from wind farms - the latter while complying with noise regulations. Many positive impacts are expected from this:
- Reduced Noise Issues: Improved modelling can help mitigate operational noise problems and avoid potential limitations on wind farm operation due to excessive noise levels.
- Increased Local Acceptance: Addressing noise concerns and ensuring responsible wind farm planning can lead to greater local acceptance of the projects.
- Support for wind energy generation close to populated areas - with acceptable WTN annoyance. Hence valuable remote areas may be preserved.
- Economic Benefits: The development of renewable energy jobs associated with wind farms can create local economic benefits.
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