Analysis of the wind turbine noise emissions and impact on the environment

The literature data analysis reveals that the intensity level of WT generated acoustic noise depends on aerodynamic processes and mechanical noise intensity of its element flow. While estimating WT generated noise level, it is necessary to consider the background noise level evoked by wind, which significantly depends on wind flow velocity. When there are high wind speeds, WT generated noise is concealed by the background noise level evoked by wind. It was determined that WT generated noise level, when wind speed is v≈12 m/s, and when there distance is greater than 100 m to the WT tower, it becomes equal to the background noise level. In such cases, the influence of WT noise on the environment could be underrated. Experimental and theoretical investigations of the WT generated acoustic noise were carried out. A methodology was developed, and a mathematical noise propagation model, which enables to forecast WT generated acoustic pollution level in residential places or other selected areas, was presented.