Measurement methods of acoustics properties for alternative ventilation ducts

The use of plastic and alternative ducts in residential ventilation has significantly increased with the demand for mechanical ventilation systems which in turn responds to national and international legislation on energy conservation. Current building regulations require air-tight building fabric, limiting the use of natural ventilation due to security, noise, and air pollution. To date there is no information available on the acoustic characteristics of plastic and other alternative ventilation ducts to enable accurate noise transfer predictions in design assessments. As a part of an ongoing research into the determination of those acoustic characteristics, a preliminary critical review has been carried out on acoustic testing methodologies and procedures for ventilation ducts as used in the industry and in research. This paper presents a collation and scrutiny of information gathered from the literature and from an UK industrywide consultation. The review has shown that there is a lack of reliable test methods and procedures applicable to the determination of acoustic characteristics of alternative ventilation ducts. The results from the review will enable the development of a robust, industry-accepted and standardised test procedures and novel data.