Characterisation of noise in homes affected by wind turbine noise

Abstract

A growing need for low carbon energy production necessitates the use of renewable resources such as wind power. However, residents living near wind farms often state that annoyance due to wind farm noise is a serious problem that affects their wellbeing. This paper describes a new methodology for recording noise and annoyance within residents' homes affected by wind turbine noise. The technique records time-series noise measurements allowing complete analysis of the signal using a variety of post processing techniques. Preliminary results from the system in a single home near a wind farm are presented including overall sound pressure level with A, C and Z weighting, narrow band frequency spectrum and amplitude modulation depth correlated with resident rated annoyance level. This information provides insight into the nature of noise in homes close to wind farms.