Wind turbines noise measurements inside homes

The rapid expansion of energy produced by wind power has increased the interest in the possible harmful effects on the health of the residents in the areas near to wind farms. It is therefore important to understand how to reduce these effects. This article analyses the results of noise measurements carried out in homes located near a wind farm in Southern Italy. Two sound level metres for the contemporary acquisitions of noise levels were used, placed in two different homes: three wind towers were visible from one measurement point, while only one wind tower could be seen from the other point. The acoustic measurements were performed under different weather conditions as well as with different wind speeds and directions. The same conditions were measured when the system was on and off. The measured sound levels were then compared so as to establish the wind velocity ranges where the part of noise generated by the rotating of the blades (ambient noise) prevails as well as the wind velocity ranges where the wind noise (background noise) prevails. The analysis of the data shows how for low wind speeds, the noise generated by the rotating of the blades is considered an annoyance by the people who live near the farm. While for greater wind speeds, the noise generated by the rotation of the blades is covered by the noise of the wind, with it therefore not being perceived.