Battery energy storage system facility implementation noise control and sound abatement considerations

Newly constructed or upgraded renewable energy production facilities are increasingly featuring battery energy storage system (BESS) components and their ancillary electrical transmission equipment such as inverters and transformers. While the batteries may represent state-of-the-art technology and may be relatively quiet sources of noise emission, the means for providing adequate battery thermal management involve operation of ventilation fans and refrigeration system components that represent traditional noise control and sound abatement challenges. This paper presents four sample scenarios of BESS implementation (distributed outdoor-exposed equipment, distributed enclosed equipment, concentrated outdoor-exposed equipment, and concentrated enclosed equipment) and their common and unique noise control needs. Conceptual noise control and sound abatement options for each of these needs are presented, along with typical non-acoustical considerations that often influence or even constrain or prohibit option feasibility and cost. The assessment presented herein should therefore help inform developers and constructors of BESS-featured facilities where sufficient control or abatement of noise emission may be critical to project success.