Project Number:

3219

University of Delaware Wind Turbine

SERVICE:

Noise Analysis for Wind Turbine

DESCRIPTION:

Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED) of Ontario, NY is developing a wind turbine project for the University of Delaware's Lewes Campus. A 2.0 MW Gamesa G90 turbine will be installed on land south of the UD College of Marine Studies at a hub height of 80 meters.

Tech Environmental performed a community sound assessment for UD-Lewes to examine sound impacts on campus and in the nearby residential areas. Baseline sound level monitoring was done over a two-day period at four locations, including the Virden Conference Center, the UD College of Marine Studies, and residential areas on Cedar Street and Hoornkill Avenue. Ten-minute wind speeds were obtained from the project's on-site 50-m meteorological tower. The Cadna-A acoustic model was applied to predict maximum sound levels in accordance with International Standard ISO 9613-2 for both the cut-in and design wind speed operating conditions. Color-coded decibel contour maps were generated.

Compliance with the three portions of the Delaware Noise Regulations was demonstrated: broad band sound pressure level limits, incremental sound level changes and absence of pure tones. Gamesa North America is funding a follow-up study to measure actual sound levels after the turbine installation is complete.

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Key Points

  • A 2.0 MW Gamesa G90 turbine will be installed on land south of the UD College of Marine Studies at a hub height of 80 meters.
  • Tech performed a community sound assessment that demonstrated the project's compliance with Delaware Noise Regulations.