Why you need to consider noise when planning the installation of any CHP plant

Author: Wakefield Acoustics – Noise Control Specialists | Last Updated: April 2023

Why you need to consider noise when planning the installation of any CHP plant

It has long been considered that Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is a more efficient process than traditional heat generation plants.  CHP systems generate power typically by a main driver, and use the thermal energy produced to provide heat to buildings or other processes requiring such heat. CHP plants can use natural gas, biogas, biomass and even general household waste (in the form of EfW plants) as a source of fuel, with a main driver converting the fuel into power. This heat produced in the process would otherwise be wasted when generating electrical or mechanical power. The heat demanded in normal circumstances would have to be met with further fuel being burnt.

Whilst the installation of new CHP systems may have been relatively flat over recent years, due to current energy price concerns, global market reports would seem to indicate growth in this sector over the coming years. Significant savings can be realised following the installation of CHP systems for energy-intensive sites such as hospitals, heavy industry, leisure centres, universities etc.

Noise is an important consideration when planning the installation of any CHP plant. CHP systems utilise machinery giving the potential for hearing loss for nearby workers, along with environmental noise affecting local neighbours. To this end, it is a normal requirement for operators and end users to provide some level of noise control for the CHP plant.

With the use of high-specification acoustic enclosures, ventilation attenuators and silencers, noise from such plants can be reduced in order to comply with the strictest of requirements, allowing the plant to operate 24 hours per day, generating heat and power for the end user. Accurate design and planning of noise control measures are essential to eliminate noise complaints, and also to ensure the correct and continued operation of the plant.

CHP is one of the many industries served by Wakefield Acoustics, and further details of our products and services can be found by contacting our sales office.

Should you wish to find out more about our products and services, please call the office, or drop us an email at noise@wakefieldacoustics.co.uk

Wakefield Acoustics has extensive experience in providing bespoke solutions for general industrial applications:

• Acoustic Enclosures
• Noise Havens
• Acoustic Louvres
• Acoustic Containers