Power Plant Noise Control: Ordinances, Modeling, Construction, Monitoring, and Startup

CSTI acoustics provided consulting on a power-plant project from early design, when the noise ordinances had to be determined, through modeling, construction, sound monitoring, and startup. The project included combustion turbines and a steam turbine inside a building with HRSGs, condensers, piping, transformers, pumps, and steam vents outside. The HRSG manufacturer provided detailed data for the different sections, and the modeling showed that the HRSGs provided excessive noise at the nearest residence. A noise barrier was proposed to shield the HRSG noise. Construction noise was limited by ordinance and had to be monitored continuously all around the site perimeter. Solar-powered noise monitors were set up to provide continuous noise data and alerts. Noise from steam-blowing to clear piping after construction was also modeled, and treatments were recommended to meet the noise limits. The facility had to meet noise requirements during normal operations and during startup and shutdown, when there was additional steam venting. Treatments were developed to address this noise. Following startup, several sound sources were identified that created more noise than previously predicted, requiring follow-up treatments.