Jason Baldwin, Andrew Birchby and Jim Singleton recently attended the International Conference on Wind Turbine Noise in Copenhagen, organised by DTU Wind (Department of Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark).
The four days included many interesting presentations, during which, the latest research was shared with the aim of contributing to industry best practice.
Discussion forums were also held where areas for further research were identified and the perspectives of developers, consultants and turbine manufacturers could be shared.
Topics covered included mechanisms of noise generation, noise propagation, noise assessment and noise mitigation, with respect to both noise level and character.
Of particular interest was the continued development of mitigation options and how these can be deployed on existing and future sites to both reduce noise and boost energy generation.
A number of sessions were also devoted to the perception of wind turbine noise, annoyance, community involvement and acceptance, and the role of the planning process.
TNEI were pleased to play an active role at the conference in presenting two papers, one regarding the use of noise limits based on noise level predictions, and another looking at noise planning conditions; as well as participating in a panel discussion on ‘What the Industry Needs, What Science Knows, and What the Public Hears’.
It was wonderful being able to spend some time with our peers, which included an interesting and inspirational mix of academics, consultants, developers and manufacturers.
Thanks to the organisers, presenters and participants for an engaging and informative conference and we look forward to the next edition in two years’ time.
