Nordex Offers Wind Turbine Sound Reduction Solutions
S. Himmelstein | December 01, 2017Solutions offered by the Nordex Group for Generation Delta wind turbines at noise-sensitive sites increase turbine output while maintaining sound emissions at the same level. The manufacturer is now widening this range with the "Xtended Power Sound Concept" solution package that also covers N100/2500 and N117/2400 turbines from Generation Gamma as well as Generation Delta machines as a retrofit option. Two independent but complementary products — Sound Mode Optimization and Serrations — enable customers to benefit from significant reductions in sound power levels while at the same time increasing turbine yield by up to 13 percent.
In addition to these two products, the offer also includes a site-specific analysis of the potential for noise reduction, taking official requirements into account. The Nordex Group also carries out any new noise measurements that may also be required by authorities.
Normally a turbine's output is lowered in order to minimize noise, reducing the rpm in the generator and thus the rotation speed of the rotor blades. By specifically raising the torque, the Sound Mode Optimization upgrade makes it possible to improve the power curve while maintaining the same rpm and sound power level. The Sound Mode Optimization upgrade means that the turbine can operate by a large number of noise-optimized modes. These can be individually set on the basis of wind direction, outside temperature or even public holidays. In this way the acoustic load is reduced in line with site requirements while output is increased.
With Serrations — components added to the trailing edges of the blades on site — the sound power level of the turbines is constantly reduced by around 1.5 decibels. The turbine is quieter overall and allows the operator to change into a higher operating mode.
Both products — Serrations and Sound Mode Optimization — are also available individually, depending on the results of site-specific analyses. The "Xtended Power Sound Concept“ upgrade package is immediately available for N100/2500 and N117/2400 turbines in Generation Gamma as well as for Generation Delta turbines, which were previously not included in this range of products.