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Description
The consortium consists of Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM), SINTEF, the AGH University of Science (AGH), Central Mining Institute (GIG) Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (IMP), Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute, (IOŚ), Polish Wind Energy Association (PSEW) and Akustix, Ltd. (AX). This group is well balanced regarding different approach to noise issues. What is common for all participants is their involvement in applied research. We have research institutions with wide knowledge in noise annoyance research (among them the WHO experts), in noise measurements and noise prediction in the environment (UAM, AGH, GIG). The IMP is well recognized in studying the noise effect on people, in particular in noise annoyance assessment in the field. The project outcome is relevant both for wind turbines trustees (simple and unambiguous criteria for projection, assessment and control of new farms) and local societies. The interest of the first one is represented in our project by PSEW. PSEW will help in identifying the representative wind turbines’ farm for the noise annoyance assessment and recordings. The practical noise recommendation for the local societies are controlled by the IOŚ. The IOŚ is responsible for noise legislation in Poland. The largest experience in noise measurements belongs to AX. The AGH and GIG are the experts in low-frequency noise measurements. From SINTEF we will expect recordings of wind turbines (they exists in Norway) which are planned to be installed in Poland in a near future. The noise annoyance of these samples recorded in Norway will be also assessed in Poland. The two main partner institutions - SINTEF (Norwegian partner) and UAM (project’s leader) have a proven record of cooperation. They were both partners in the EU-funded project SILENCE investigating noise impact from transportation noise sources.
Summary of project results
The aim of the HETMAN project was to get better knowledge about wind turbines noise. All aspects about it were carefully analysed, including
noise generation, propagation and its influence on people. Several methods of prediction noise were checked and many laboratory experiments
were conducted to better understand people’s reactions to that type of noise. All these findings can help in providing more precise law
regulations regarding wind turbines noise in Poland
The project was conducted by 8 entities, including one Norwegian partner. Activities conducted in the project included:
- Short-term and long-term (yearly) noise monitoring near wind farms in Poland
- Laboratory experiments aimed to measure noise annoyance evoked by wind turbines noise (including infrasounds)
- Study visits – of Polish partners in Norway and of Norwegian partner in Poland
- Conference speeches and organizing special sessions during them
- Setting up laboratory configurations for experiments and construction of noise measuring prototypes (including programming)
All these activities let us to gather data about performance of wind turbines, both objective and subjective. Based on them and results of our
experiments we could propose solutions to mitigate noise annoyance and prepare guidelines regarding measuring, monitoring and prediction of
wind turbines noise. They are of great interest as the green energy is one of the most important goals of the sustainable world.
Project results are gathered in one document, guidelines for measuring and predicting wind turbines noise. This document clean up the
knowledge and propose detailed solutions to better control this type of noise. It is a great starting point to change Polish law regarding noise and
make wind energy more accessible for the society. In the long-term perspective our findings should let to plan and manage wind turbines noise
more reliably and in better cooperation with local authorities and communities.
Summary of bilateral results
Discussions with our Norwegian partner gave us a better understanding of the noise generating mechanisms of the wind turbine, and whatcauses the negative reactions among the exposed population. This joint study of noise annoyance reactions was based on a previous long-termcooperation.The Norwegian partner had good experience in noise propagation prediction and provided free access to calculation algorithms.One of the Polish project partners and the Norwegian partner are currently members of a consortium that has submitted a proposal for an EUfundedproject dealing with the effect of combined exposure to occupational noise and other airborne agents.One of the PhD-students affiliated with the project may have the opportunity to spend some month at our Norwegian partner''s facilities workingon a wind turbine related project.