Noise Propagation

`Wind Turbines are noisy` – that bias is often heard during discussions about wind energy. Residents living in close proximity to wind farms often feel molested by the generated noise. Subsequently, propagation of noise immissions at noise receptor points at a designated site are part of the approval process prior to the erection of wind turbines in many countries. The preceived pollution intensity does not only depend on wind speed but also on site specific conditions. The critical noise immision limit is directly dependent on how nearby structures are utilized. If a wind farm exceeds the legal noise immission limits, individual turbines may have to be derated or shut down. After completion of the wind farm the actual noise immission is usually also verified by a measurement.