Power generation noise control

Acoustic products for power generation facilities

Power generation facilities are significant sources of noise. Gas turbines, diesel generators, cooling infrastructure, exhaust systems, and mechanical plant all contribute to a noise footprint that must be managed within EPA limits and, increasingly, strict planning conditions that apply for the life of the asset.

Flexshield designs and manufactures acoustic products for power stations, peaking plants, backup power facilities and energy infrastructure across Australia. Products are engineered for continuous industrial service.

Why power generation noise is demanding to manage

Power generation noise is particularly challenging because the sources are powerful, often tonal and frequently located in dense urban or peri-urban areas where community noise limits are stringent. A gas turbine exhaust, for example, generates noise at levels that penetrate conventional barriers and walls without appropriate acoustic mass and absorption.

The consequence of non-compliance is significant. Noise complaints from nearby residents can halt operations, attract regulatory attention and delay project approvals. Getting the acoustic treatment right at the design stage is considerably more straightforward than retrofitting after complaints have been received.

Common noise sources

Gas turbines and diesel generators, exhaust and stack systems, cooling towers, pumps and compressors, HVAC systems, mechanical plant and switch rooms are the dominant contributors on most power generation facilities.

Acoustic products for power generation

Sonic acoustic enclosures: Flexshield manufactures custom acoustic enclosures for generators, turbines and mechanical plant. Enclosures are designed with integrated ventilation and service access to allow equipment maintenance without compromising acoustic performance.

Sonic Series acoustic louvres: Ventilation openings on turbine halls, generator buildings and plant rooms require acoustic treatment to prevent noise breakout. Sonic Series acoustic louvres deliver measured attenuation performance while maintaining the airflow the equipment requires.

Sonic acoustic walls and noise barriers

Where perimeter noise walls are required to protect surrounding areas, Flexshield’s modular acoustic panel systems provide a durable, configurable option. Panels are available in acoustic ratings suited to the reduction target and can be configured to height and finished for outdoor exposure.

Sonic Access acoustic doors: Generator buildings and plant rooms require acoustic access. Sonic Access acoustic doors are available in single- and double-leaf configurations with Rw ratings up to 52dB, suitable for high-specification applications.