HVAC and Power Plant Noise Control

Large commercial power-generating or HVAC systems, which are often located in office buildings, warehouses or medical buildings, can generate a large amount of noise throughout the facility. Here is a summary of common noise sources:
 

Power Systems:

• Turbines: Turbines typically produce high-frequency noise. Gas turbines, in particular, are known for their loud operation due to high-speed rotation.
• Generators: Large diesel or gas powered generators can be quite noisy; the resulting noise is often a lower frequencies, which can readily cause floor vibration even when mounted on heavy concrete support structures.
• Cooling Systems: Cooling towers and fans can be significant sources of noise, often characterized by a constant hum or ‘whooshing’ sound.



• Transformers: Electrical transformers can produce a humming or ‘buzzing’ sound, which is usually present at low or mid-range frequencies, and can be quite noticeable and annoying.
• Pumps and Compressors: These can generate a variety of noises, from low-frequency rumbling to high-pitched whine, depending on their design and operation.

HVAC Systems:

• Compressors: Often produce loud harmonic noise, which could be described as ‘humming’ or ‘buzzing’. This can be quite annoying if present over long periods of time. This noise often is coupled into building structures, due to the high vibration levels. This vibration can cause nearby walls or floors to vibrate, which can cause unwanted noise into adjoining rooms.
• Motors or Belts: Minor imbalances can produce very loud booming or rumbling sounds, or can cause significant floor vibration.



• Fans and Ductwork: The constant ‘whir’ from large HVAC fans can often be a source of major workplace annoyance. In addition, air-flow noise due improperly designed ductwork is a major source of complaints. Non-laminar airflow is a major source of excessive HVAC airflow noise.
• Roof-Mounted HVAC Systems are a frequent cause of noise complaints. These units can vibrate, causing the roof structure to vibrate as well, causing a ‘hum’ throughout a building. Air duct and cooling lines can also be sources of unwanted noise from these systems.

Our noise-control solutions for these types of concerns may include:

• Vibration Isolation: Installation of isolation pads or mounts to reduce the transmission of vibrations from compressors, fans, and other equipment.
• Acoustic Barriers: Specification and installation of appropriate acoustic barriers or baffles around noisy components like compressors and generators. Walls between noisy areas and offices can be treated with vinyl barrier material to reduce the transmission of unwanted sound.
• Noise Enclosures: Design and fabrication of custom soundproof enclosures is one of our primary services. These enclosures can be configured to allow easy maintenance access and ventilation.
• Duct Insulation and Lining: Ductwork can be lined with sound-absorbing insulation to reduce noise transmission. The application of flexible ducts with internal insulation to minimize noise can be an effective choice. Ductwork and inlet/outlet vents can be configured with smooth turns and transitions to minimize air turbulence.
• Sound Attenuators: Installation of sound attenuators in the ductwork to absorb and reduce airborne noise.

 
MEMTECH ACOUSTICAL has worked with many commercial customers and equipment OEMs to address power plant or HVAC noise in virtually any commercial environment. The installation of noise-absorbing panels, vibration-dampening pads, specialized isolation materials, acoustic sealants and a variety of other products are available to resolve virtually any concern. Our noise-control engineers are experienced in isolating the ‘root-causes’ of these matters, and our installers can make necessary modifications in an efficient and cost-effective manner.