Wind energy is a renewable energy source being harnessed globally to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the associated impact
on our environment. However, the environmental impact of turbine and blade pass noise is a concern that is carefully monitored and generally regulated. It is very important to be able to acquire accurate acoustic measurements in any weather condition
for analysis, noise impact predictions, and regulatory compliance.
The Modal Shop offers for rent several Larson Davis Noise Monitoring Systems to provide short to medium term monitoring capabilities for collecting a variety of data, from basic noise measurements, to GPS and weather data utilizing the Model 831C SoundAdvisor™, Model 831, or LxT® sound level meters in lightweight, easy to deploy packages. Model 831C SoundAdvisor, Model 831, and LxT can also be used in the normal handheld mode for walk-around measurements onsite. Using DNA software from Larson Davis the collected data can be further organized into meaningful reports to understand the patterns or nuances of noise created from wind farms.
Wind turbine noise monitoring is a critical tool to manage a wind farm's relationship with the community and with the local regulatory organizations as the push for renewable energy sources grows. The Modal Shop’s experienced rental team is available to help you find just the right equipment for your testing and monitoring needs. Below are several available kit configurations and options for wind farm noise monitoring. See the for a comparison chart of available meters. Our team is happy to help you mix and match meters, microphones, batteries, and more to find a test setup that fits your requirements.
The NMS-SE-FF system utilizes the LxT sound level meter with the EPS042 weather resistant enclosure to provide 15 days of continuous monitoring per battery charge (eight D-cell battery pack) with the ability to log time histories, 1/1 and 1/3 octave bands and community noise metrics.
The Model 831 sound level meter can be paired with the EPS042 enclosure to provide 9 days of continuous monitoring or can be used with traditional lead acid batteries (ranging in size from 21 Ahr to 100 Ahr) with charger to provide longer run times. In addition to time history logging, octave band analysis, and community noise metrics, the Model 831 is also able to log GPS and weather data and take event sound recordings to help identify a noise source. Please note that additional power is required for weather sensor use.
The Model 831C sound level meter can be paired with the same EPS042 enclosure to provide 5 days of continuous monitoring or can be used with traditional lead acid batteries (ranging in size from 21 Ahr to 100 Ahr) with charger to provide longer run times. Model 831C provides all of the benefits of Model 831, plus wireless and wired communications to allow for remote access to real-time data. Please note that additional power is required for weather sensor use and wireless communication.
For runtimes longer than a few weeks, the NMS044-SLA100 SoundAdvisor kit is a perfect choice. It offers all of the communication advantages of the 831C and includes everything you need for outdoor meter and microphone protection plus a 100-watt solar panel, allowing you to make measurements and connect to your device remotely virtually indefinitely. Get real time alerts, modify meter settings, check microphone calibration, and download data all without having to visit the meter. It is compact and easy to deploy in the field.
Ideal for ultra low noise applications is the Model 831C paired with the Model 378A04 prepolarized, free-field microphone and preamplifier. With typical noise floor of 5.5 dBA, this system combines a high sensitivity microphone and a low noise preamplifier.