Power Generation Archives - Technicon Acoustics

The Importance of Acoustic Material in Sound Enclosures

July 10, 2020 1:20 pm Leave a Comment

Commercial power generators, air compressors, and other industrial equipment make a lot of noise. To counter loud noise levels, OEMs attempt to contain the disruptive sounds with an enclosure.

Enclosures are supposed to trap sound waves so they don’t affect the ambient environment. Unfortunately, most traditional sound enclosures are less effective than the industry commonly thinks. Without the right acoustic lining, enclosures only block a fraction of the sound waves. Even worse, improperly lined enclosures can actually amplify noise, before it can reduce it.

Sheet-Metal Sound Enclosures Are Not Enough—Here’s Why

Sound Enclosure Sheet Metal

Most sound enclosures are made from sheet metal. This type of solid barrier can deflect sound waves to some degree, but it has a limited impact.

To find a better solution, our team of engineers at Technicon Acoustics investigated how sound enclosures performed with and without acoustic-absorber lining materials. Using a device that outputs a constant sound at 85 decibels, we tested the decibel level one meter away from the sheet-metal enclosure and discovered the volume rose internally to 113 decibels—a net increase of 28 decibels compared to the sound origin.

Why did sheet-metal enclosures make the environment 28 decibels louder? With further testing, we determined the solid barrier did obstruct sound waves upon contact, making the noise softer—however, the sound was amplified inside of the enclosure before it transferred into the surrounding area.

Ultimately, our study reveals manufacturers must pay attention to two factors: the material of the physical barrier and the subsequent sound wave concentration inside the enclosure. The enclosure can reduce noise, but OEMs are not reaping the full benefits of an enclosure without using acoustic absorber material internally.

How Can Modified Sound Enclosures Reduce Noise?

Sound Enclosure with Acoustic Absorbers

We theorized the right acoustic-absorber lining material and design could manage air paths and reduce a device’s sound output more effectively. To test our theory, we used an enclosure with a 24-inch-by-36-inch louver and discovered the following decibel changes:

Acoustic Barriers: -4.1 decibels
1-inch Absorber Foam: -7.0 decibels
2-inch Absorber Foam: -8.5 decibels

Based on these results, absorber foam reduces sound better than traditional acoustic barriers. Without our liner modifications, the net volume stayed almost the same on both sides of the enclosure.

Contact the Technicon Acoustics Team Today to Get Started

Shielding noisy power generation and air compressor equipment is essential. High decibel levels aren’t just annoying—they’re potentially dangerous.

To prevent these problems and soften loud noises, we recommend using acoustic absorber foams in an enclosure to block and absorb sound for a net decibel reduction. Contact Technicon Acoustics today to learn more about our sound absorber tools specially engineered for power generation equipment, air compressors, and commercial machinery.

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Acoustic Solutions to Portable and Standby Power Generators

January 30, 2020 8:31 pm Leave a Comment

A dangerous, yet easily overlooked problem in the power generation industry is the noise produced by standby and portable generators and turbines. This type of equipment can produce excessive amounts of noise and heat, eventually causing damage to the surrounding area, reducing the lifespan of the equipment, and creating an unsafe working environment. Acoustic enclosures offer an ideal solution to counteract these problems, along with improving customer acceptance and marketability.

Equipment That Requires Sound Absorption

The severity of noise pollution created by generators can vary depending on a number of factors. Motor size, the type of exhaust system, and the style of radiator fan installed can all impact the level of sound put out by a generator. Standby generators can produce noise up to 80 decibels or above, causing damage to equipment over time and posing potential health and safety risks for operators.

While the intensity of sound can vary depending on the generator, the causes of the sound are generally the same on most power generation equipment. These sources include:

Engine noise
Engine exhaust
Turbulent airflow caused by cooling fans
Alternator noise

Sound may be dampened considerably on power generation equipment by creating a weighted barrier to line the sheet metal enclosure of the generator. A decoupled weighted barrier may also be used for generator noise reduction, which involves the addition of decoupling foam to the barrier before installation.

To ensure that power generation equipment continues working safely and effectively, it is important to provide several openings in a generator sound enclosure for heat and exhaust to be released. These openings also enable air flow to the machine. If heat isn’t properly released, it will eventually damage equipment.

While these openings are vital for the functionality of your equipment, they reduce the efficacy of the barriers by allowing some of the sound waves to escape. To absorb sound that can’t be controlled with sound dampening liners, operators can incorporate acoustic absorbers as a lining for louvers or to create a tortuous path for airflow to absorb the noise before it escapes.

Solutions for Portable and Standby Generators

Acoustic control systems for portable or standby generators come in a variety of different types of material. They are built out of composite layers of foam, vinyl, and fiber and work by blocking, deflecting, or dampening the sound waves being created by the generator. This generator soundproofing material protects the workspace and ensures the longevity of equipment. These treatments are straightforward and easy to install. Typically, they are flexible and come with an adhesive that simply requires sticking them in the right place.

Request Your Custom Noise Pollution Solution Today

Technicon Acoustics is dedicated to helping solve your noise pollution problems. We’re involved in the process every step of the way—we design, develop, manufacture, and deliver every single part you need. Our products are specifically designed to isolate sound and thermal energy, and to absorb or block the vibrations that cause damage and noise pollution. We can customize our solutions to specifically target the sound frequencies impacting your operation.

Our team is made up of engineering, manufacturing, and administrative professionals who combine their expertise to make sure every one of your expectations is met and exceeded. We make use of the most up-to-date technologies and industry knowledge, and do all of our work in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. To find out more about how we can provide you with custom solutions, request a quote today.

Tag Archive: Power Generation