Energy industry / Power plant construction

Shutdown of a gas-fired power plant prevented: -6 dB noise emission with HSA3

Executive Summary

Challenge:

A gas-fired power plant with engine emissions of around 120 dB was on the verge of being shut down by authorities due to legal noise protection regulations. Conventional silencers based on mineral wool failed due to a structural dead end, as the space between the radiators was insufficient for bulky absorbers.

Solution:

Instead of relying on mass, walls, doors, and floors were lined with space-saving, micro-perforated HSA3 metal panels. Special angled "sound pockets" further extended the sound path without increasing the back pressure required for cooling. This allowed the annoying low-frequency hum to be specifically eliminated.

Result (Impact):

  • Measurable success:Reduction of the sound pressure level by -6 dB.
  • Economy:Successful prevention of shutdown and safeguarding of plant operation.
  • Longevity:The all-metallic system is completely insensitive to high air velocities and vibrations.
Phase 01: The Problem

A gas-fired power plant with engine emissions of approximately 120 dB was on the verge of being shut down by order of the authorities due to legal noise protection regulations. The existing soundproofing was insufficient to comply with the limits. Conventional silencers based on mineral wool failed due to a structural impasse: the available space between the radiators was simply too small for the necessary thickness of bulky rock wool absorbers.

Phase 02: The Solution

Instead of focusing on mass and volume, micro-perforated HSA3 panels (MPA) were used. The interior walls, doors, and floor areas were lined directly with these highly rigid metal panels. Because HSA3 is particularly effective in the critical low-frequency range, the annoying hum of the motor could be specifically eliminated. To compensate for the lack of overall length, angled "sound pockets" were integrated, artificially lengthening the sound path without increasing the back pressure required for cooling.

Phase 03: The Impact

Measurable success:Reduction of the sound pressure level by -6 dB.
Economy:Successful prevention of shutdown and safeguarding of plant operation.
Longevity:The all-metallic system is completely insensitive to high air velocities and vibrations.

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