Prediction of wind turbine noise: Comparison of three standardized prediction methods

Noise from wind turbines seems to be relatively more annoying than noise from other sources. Yet wind turbines are considered important for the shift to renewable energy sources. In the planning process of new wind farms, it is important to accurately predict the noise impact on nearby communities in order to minimize noise conflicts. Noise from an existing 2 MW wind turbine has been measured in a number of positions under various wind conditions. The results have been compared with predictions using sound propagation modules according to ISO 9613-2, CnossosEU and Nord 2000. The work is part of the ongoing Polish-Norwegian research project HETMAN, Healthy Society towards optimal management of wind turbine noise. The actual results presented in this paper should therefore be considered preliminary.