Environmental Noise Management in New Zealand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NÆRUM, DENMARK –  13 NOVEMBER, 2008

Brüel & Kjær Sound & Vibration Measurement A/S has made a successful solution for wind farm noise monitoring. Meridian Energy is New Zealand’s largest producer of electrical energy and uses only renewable energy sources such as hydro and wind power generators.

Wellington, the New Zealand capital, is one of the windiest cities in the Southern hemisphere, making it the ideal place for wind farming. However, the local community was concerned about the noise impact of the planned large number of wind turbines (68 in total) and asked Meridian Energy to monitor background noise at five locations before any work commenced. The background noise level at the proposed locations is consistently quite low, meaning no noise events are available to trigger sound recordings. Brüel & Kjær was asked to recommend an appropriate solution.

We offered an Environmental Noise Management Server (Version 2) Type 3642, five Noise Monitoring Terminals Type 3639-E-203 with Weatherproof Microphone Units Type 4198, and Weather Stations MM-0256. For sound recording, a time trigger recording option was developed, and the recorded files are saved as WAV files (instead of MP3) for subsequent tone assessment. 1/3-octave statistical analysis in the periodic report was also developed. Data download is via GPRS, PSTN or USB memory stick.

The hardware part of the system together with 1/3- octave statistical analysis option was delivered on time with full customer satisfaction. The remaining features are expected to be delivered before the end of October this year.

This project gives us inside information about wind farm noise monitoring and helps us develop solutions for the growing market of renewable energy production. The success of this project will lead to more orders from Meridian Energy for future wind farm projects.