Advanced techniques for noise source identification on a large generator unit

Power station acoustic noise assessment, which has experienced increased environmental awareness and subsequently more stringent legislation for a number of years, has received an added stimulus due to the recent advent of powerful measurement and analysis techniques, including sound intensity and coherence. These experimental techniques are explained, and results, for a generator unit, illustrate their value in providing a unique, correlated insight into noise problems. This insight includes noise quantification, full explanation of site sound pressure level in terms of the various influences, and major noise source identification. These techniques are widely applicable and an invaluable aid to any industrial noise problem