Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Noise Pollution from Electric Power Generators: Design Modifications for Enhanced Sound Control

Abstract

Aims: The noise emanating from high sound power electric generators has adverse effects on human health. In this view, this paper reports a modification that can be done to reduce this high levels of noise to a permissible noise limit. Place and Duration of Study: This study identified the major source and levels of noise emission from selected electric power generators sampled in Ile-Ife, Osun-State, Nigeria. Also determined the controlling parameters of the identified source and modified the identified parameters for low noise generation. Methodology: Noise assignment was carried out on Four (4) medium size electric power generating sets using ATP: MODEL MT- 901A sound measuring instrument at distance of about one centimeter. The major sources of noise emission were investigated on the four selected generating sets. The source of noise from these generating sets was further analysed to identify the major controlling parameters of the identified source. Theoretical modification was done based on these identified parameters for low noise generation. Results: The results of the findings showed that at silencer length of 46.5, 44.0 and 41.2 centimeter, the total sound power levels of the sampled generating sets will be 50, 55 and 60 decibels respectively which is within the permissible noise limits of World Bank.