Verification of sound modeling results for a wind energy project

As part of a state-level approval process for a wind farm retrofit, both pre-construction sound level modeling, and a post-construction sound level measurement program were developed and executed. The results of the detailed sound level modeling analysis found that low noise blades were required on some wind turbines to meet the sound level limits at the closest residences. Several scenarios were modeled in order to determine which locations required the low noise blades. Following the retrofit, continuous operational sound level measurements were collected over two weeks at some of the closest residences to the wind turbines. The results of the monitoring program showed that sound levels from the turbines were in compliance with the state sound limits, and in very good agreement with the pre-construction sound level modeling.