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Amca 300 PDF
Amca 300 PDF
Standard 300-05
Reverberant Room Method for
Sound Testing of Fans
Forward/Authority
AMCA Standard 300-05 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement
and Control Association International, Inc. on 30 July 2005. The effective date of
this standard is 01 November 2005.
Tung Nguyen (Chair)
Joseph Langford
David Wolbrink
Broan-Nutone LLC
Jeff Hill
Cleanpak International
Pete Neitzel
Thomas Gustafson
Ralph Sussey
JOGRAM, Inc.
Ralph Sexton
Boyd Kunze
Scott Hausmann
Scott Williamson
Disclaimer
AMCA International uses its best efforts to produce standards for the benefit of the
industry and the public in light of available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or assure the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or operated in accordance with AMCA standards or that any tests conducted under its
standards will be non-hazardous or free from risk.
Objections
Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide
all written complaints regarding its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for submitting and handling complaints, write to:
AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL
30 WEST UNIVERSITY DRIVE
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004-1893 USA
iii
Foreward
This standard was originally developed in response to the need for a reliable and
accurate method of determining the sound power levels of fan equipment. The
original document was written by the AMCA P158NB Sound Test Code
Committee. Where possible, it was based on ASHRAE Standard 36-62, and combined state-of-the-art with practical considerations. It was first published as a
Recommended Practice in February 1962, and adopted as a Standard Test Code
in October 1963. The sound power reference level now used in this standard was
changed in January 1965, from 10-13 watts to 10-12 watts. The third edition
(January 1967) AMCA 300-67 Test Code for Sound Rating included minor revisions. In 1974, minor editorial changes were made, and size-speed conversions
were transferred to AMCA 301 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Ratings From
Laboratory Test Data. The 1985 edition continued the original philosophy of combining the theoretical and the practical. The 1996 edition was improved by
increasing the accuracy of Reference Sound Source values through improvements in calibration requirements and procedure, and where appropriate, calling
for units of measure in SI (I-P) sequence. Where there have been successful
improvements in state-of-the-art, full advantage has been taken. This latest edition refines the duct end correction factors to values whose source can be traced
to its origin.
Introduction
This standard establishes a method of determining the sound power levels of a
fan. The method is reproducible in all laboratories that are qualified to the requirements of this standard.
The method employs standard sound measurement instrumentation, applied to
rooms that are restricted to certain acoustic properties. The test setups are
designed generally to represent the physical orientation of a fan as installed, following ANSI/AMCA 210 Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic
Performance Rating. Sound is defined as radiant mechanical energy that is transmitted by pressure waves in air; it is the objective cause of hearing. Sound pressure level is described mathematically as a logarithmic quantity derived from
sound pressure. The unit of sound pressure level is the decibel, referenced to a
base of 20 micropascals, or 20 microbar. The sound pressure level at any given
point in space depends on the distance between the source and the receiver,
reflection if in an enclosed room, proximity of the source to other sound sources,
etc.
Sound in a room is the result of one or more active sound power sources within
that room. Sound power is the total sound energy radiated per unit time. Sound
power level is described mathematically as a logarithmic quantity derived from the
sound power. The unit of sound power level is the decibel referenced to 1 picowatt (1.0E-12 watt). Sound power levels determined through use of this standard
are useful for comparison between fans and in acoustical design.
Since sound power is independent of acoustic environment, two or more fans proposed for a specific aerodynamic performance condition may be evaluated by
comparison to determine whether one is more suitable for an application than
another. Moreover, fan sound power levels establish an accurate base for estimating the acoustical outcome of the fan installation in terms of sound pressure
levels. A successful estimate of sound pressure levels requires extensive information on the fan and the environment in which it is to be located.
It is often advantageous for the fan equipment user to employ acoustical consultation to ensure that all factors that affect the final sound pressure levels are considered. Additional information on the complexity of this situation may be found in
other documents available elsewhere.
iv
Contents
Page
1. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
2. Normative references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3. Definitions / units of measure / symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.1 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
3.2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4. Instruments / methods of measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.1 Sound level meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.2 Microphone system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.3 Frequency analyzer and weighting system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.4 Data recording equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.5 Reference sound source (RSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
4.6 Test method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
4.7 Accuracy of results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5. Equipment / setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.1 Reverberant room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.2 Setup categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.3 Aerodynamic performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5.4 Mounting methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5.5 Duct length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5.6 Microphone travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5.7 Calibration of system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
5.8 Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6. Observations and conduct of test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6.1 Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6.2 Information to be recorded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7. Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7.1 Background correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
7.2 Sound power level (Lw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8. Results and report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8.1 Test subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
8.2 Laboratory and instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
8.3 Acoustical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Annex A (normative) Room qualification: full and one-third octave . . . . . . . . . .15
A.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
A.2 Instruments and quipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
A.3 Test procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
v
vi
AMCA 300-05
REVERBERANT ROOM
METHOD
FOR SOUND TESTING
OF FANS
1. Scope
This standard applies to fans of all types and
sizes.
This standard is limited to the
determination of airborne sound emission for the
specified setups. Vibration is not measured, nor
is the sensitivity of airborne sound emission to
vibration effects determined.
The size of a fan that can be tested in
accordance with this standard is limited only by
the practical aspects of the test setups.
Dimensional limitations, test subject dimensions,
and air performance will control the test room
size and power and mounting requirements for
the test subject.
The test setup requirements in this standard
establish the laboratory conditions necessary for
a successful test. Rarely will it be possible to
meet these requirements in a field situation.
This standard is not intended for field
measurements.
2. Normative references
The following standards contain provisions that,
through specific reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this American National Standard.
At the time of publication the editions indicated
were valid. All standards are subject to revision,
and parties to agreements based on this
American National Standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the standards listed below.
ANSI/AMCA 210-99 / ANSI/ASHRAE 51-1999
Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for
Aerodynamic
Performance
Rating,
Air
Movement
and
Control
Association
International, Inc., 30 W. University Drive,
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A, 1999
ANSI S1.4-1983; S1.4A-1985 Specification for
Sound Level Meters, Acoustical Society of
Decibel (dB):
A dimensionless unit of
AMCA 300-05
(3-1)
18
21
24
27
30
33
36
39
Center frequency f, Hz
63
125
250
500
1000
2000
4000
8000
Band 1
Band 3
Band 4
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Center freq. f, Hz
50
63
80
100
125
160
200
250
315
400
500
630
Band 5
Band 6
Band 7
Band 8
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Center freq. f, Hz
800
1000
1250
1600
2000
2500
3150
4000
5000
6300
8000
10000
AMCA 300-05
(3-2)
3.1.15 Wavelength:
The distance between
two points having the same phase in two
consecutive cycles of a periodic wave, along a
line in the direction of propagation [5].
Wavelength (O) is determined by frequency and
the speed of sound in the air through which the
wave propagates:
O=c/f
(3-3)
where:
f = frequency, Hz
c = 343 m/s @ 20C (1125 ft/s @ 68F)
4. Instruments / methods of
measurement
4.1 Sound level meter
The sound level meter shall meet the
requirements of ANSI S1.4 and S1.4A. The
sound level meter should be capable of
accepting a microphone extension cable.
4.2 Microphone system
The microphone system (transducer and any
associated components and cable) shall meet
the requirements for use in a Type 1 precision
sound level meter according to ANSI S1.4 and
S1.4A. A microphone with a nominal diameter
of 13 mm (0.5 in.) is recommended.
AMCA 300-05
Table 2 - Symbols
SYMBOL
DESCRIPTION
Amin
c
D
Eo
Ei
EW
f
J1
k
K1
Lp
Lpc
Lpb
Lpm
Lpq
Lpqm
LW
LWi
LWm
LWmi
LWmo
LWo
LWr
p
pref
Ps
Pt
r
R
s
W
Wref
ZM
D
J
O
Z
UNIT OF MEASURE
SI
I-P
m
m/s
m
dB
dB
dB
Hz
ft
ft/s
ft
dB
dB
dB
Hz
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
dB
Pa
bar
Pa
bar
Pa
in. wg
Pa
in. wg
dimensionless
dimensionless
dB
dB
W
W
W
W
Ns/m
dimensionless
dimensionless
m
ft
rad/s
rad/s
AMCA 300-05
5. Equipment/setups
4.5.5
The RSS calibration shall consist of a
determination of the sound power level radiated
by the RSS (including vibration isolators) when it
is in operation on a reflecting plane with
radiation into a free field above that plane. The
calibration shall be in accordance with ANSI
S12.5 or as provided in Annex D. The maximum
time interval since calibration shall not exceed
that specified by the manufacturer or three
years, whichever is shorter.
AMCA 300-05
Where:
L L / 20
C210 Wr pq
(5-1)
but the
volume
fan and
exceed
AMCA 300-05
Tolerance
(dB)
1.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
3.0
LW Equation
A: Free Inlet
Free Outlet
LWm=Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)
This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
1.
Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is
such that it is sensing total averaged sound pressure levels.
2.
No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices
that provide any significant pure tones that may add to the fan recorded sound pressure
levels.
Section 5, Figure 1 - Fan total sound testing
7
AMCA 300-05
1 to 3D
LW Equations
LWmi=Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)
LWi=Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)+Ei
This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
Acoustical energy in an outlet duct which terminates in a second room or chamber does not
contribute to fan test sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss between
adjourning rooms and the addition of absorptive material within a chamber to absorb this energy.
1.
Adequate absorption takes place at the discharge of a duct in a second room or chamber so
that any energy passing down that duct is adequately attenuated.
2.
Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is
such that it is recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
3.
Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to
eliminate any addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
4.
No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices
that provide any significant pure tones that may add to the recorded fan sound pressure
levels.
5.
Inlet orifices to control the operating point are not permitted, unless integral to the fan.
AMCA 300-05
2 to 3D
LW Equations
LWmo=Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)
LWo=Lpc+(LWr-Lpq)+Eo
This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following assumptions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Acoustical energy in an inlet duct that terminated in a second room or chamber does not
contribute to fan test sound pressure levels. This requires adequate transmission loss
between adjoining rooms and the addition of absorptive material within a chamber to absorb
this energy.
Adequate absorption takes place at the inlet of a duct in a second room or chamber so that
any energy passing down that duct is adequately attenuated.
Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant room and the microphone location is
such that it is recording total averaged sound pressure levels.
Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to
eliminate any addition to measured room sound pressure levels.
No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices, or driving devices
that provide any significant pure tones that may add to the recorded fan sound pressure
levels.
Outlet orifices to control the operating point are not permitted, unless integral to the fan.
AMCA 300-05
5.8 Equations
The type of fan and its test setup determine the
calculations required to determine the sound
power levels (LW, LWm, LWi, LWmi, LWo, LWmo) of
the test subject. Equations for each test setup
are included under the specific arrangement
along with any qualifying statements or
limitations. Also included are any assumptions
that were made regarding these specific setups.
End reflection factors (Ei) and (Eo), when
required, shall be calculated from Annex E Duct
End Reflection Correction, using the appropriate
duct and orifice size.
6.1 Observations
10
AMCA 300-05
Laboratory name
Manufacturer
Model
Nominal size
Impeller diameter, mm (in.)
Number of impeller blades
Blade angle setting (adjustable or
variable pitch fans only)
7) Number of stator vanes
2
2
8) Inlet area, m (ft )
2
9) Outlet area, m (ft2)
B) Operating conditions
1) Fan rotational speed, rev/min
2) Fan airflow rate, m3/s (ft3/min)
3) Fan static pressure or total pressure
at actual test conditions, Pa (in. wg)
4) Fan air density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3)
used,
with
C) Mounting conditions
G) End reflection correction data
1) Test figure per this standard
2) Test Installation Type
3) Sketch showing the test room setup,
including the dimensional locations
of the test subject and points or path
of acoustical measurements
7. Calculations
11
AMCA 300-05
LW
Lpc
Lpb
Lpm
10
10
10 log10 10
10
LW 2
LW 3
LW 1
10 log10 10 10 10 10 10 10
(7-3)
Where:
LW1, LW2, and LW3 are one-third octave sound
power level values.
(7-1)
8.1 Test subject
A) Description of the test subject
Lpq
Lpb
Lpqm
10
10 log10 10
10 10
(7-2)
12
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Manufacturer
Model
Nominal size
Impeller diameter, mm (in.)
Number of impeller blades
Blade angle setting (adjustable or
variable pitch fans only)
B) Operating conditions
1) Aerodynamic
performance
standard
2) Fan rotational speed, rpm
3
3
3) Fan airflow rate, m /s (ft /min)
test
AMCA 300-05
13
AMCA 300-05
14
AMCA 300-05
Annex A
(normative)
Room qualification: full and one-third octave
A.1 General
This annex covers the procedures for a broad-band qualification of a test room for full and one-third
octave bands. If pure tone qualification is required, refer to Annex B Room Qualification: Pure Tones /
Narrow Band.
A.2 Instruments and equipment
The instruments and microphone traverse shall be the same as those used during the actual testing of a
fan. The instruments shall conform to the requirements given in Sections 4.1. through 4.4, inclusive. The
microphone traverse shall conform to the requirements of Section 5.6. The test procedure given in this
annex requires the use of a Reference Sound Source (RSS) having the characteristics specified in
Section 4.5.
A.3 Test procedure
Eight or more measurements shall be made of the reverberant field sound pressure levels in the room,
each with the RSS placed at a different location within the room, under the following conditions:
A.3.1 Each location for the RSS shall be selected on the floor and shall not be closer than 1 m (3 ft)
from a wall and not closer to any microphone than permitted by equation Amin (Section 5, Figure 4). The
distance between any two RSS locations shall be greater than 0.9 m (3 ft). No source location shall lie
within 300 mm (1 ft) of a room centerline. The RSS locations shall be in the general vicinity of the
locations intended for the test subject as seen in a plan view of the test room.
A.3.2 With the RSS at each of the eight (or more) above locations, determine the average sound
pressure levels in accordance with the procedures of Section 6.
A.3.3 The microphone traverse, sound diffuser (if any), instruments and observation times shall be
identical to those to be used for a test subject.
A.4 Computation procedure
For each frequency band for which the test room is to be qualified, the standard deviation s, in dB, shall
be computed using the formula:
nRSS
1
L
pq
1
n
RSS
j 1
1/ 2
Lpq
(A.4-1)
Where:
(Lpq)j = the sound pressure level, in dB, averaged over all microphone positions, when the RSS is in the
jth location
___
Lpq = arithmetic mean of (Lpq)j values, in dB, averaged over all RSS locations
15
AMCA 300-05
16
One-Third
Octave Band
Center
Frequencies
(Hz)
50 to 80
100 to 160
200 to 630
800 to 2500
Maximum
Allowable
Standard
Deviation (dB)
s
3.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
3150 to 10000
1.0
AMCA 300-05
Annex B
(informative)
Room qualification: pure tones / narrow-band
B.1 General
This annex covers the procedure for the qualification of a test room to investigate pure tones. The
reference document for this procedure is ANSI S12.51. Qualification testing applies only to those onethird octave bands having mid-frequencies from 100 Hz to 2500 Hz, inclusive, as shown in Table B1.
Qualification excludes those bands having mid-frequencies below 100 Hz and is not required for those
bands having a mid-frequency greater than 2500 Hz. The qualification testing applies to a specific
location in the test room and determines which of the one-third octave bands the test room location is
qualified for. A sound test based on such qualification must state the mid-frequency of the one-third
octave band(s) qualified for the test by this procedure.
B.2 Instruments and equipment
The instruments shall be as specified in Section 4 with the following substitutions / additions.
a)
b)
The signal analyzer shall be a one-third octave band analyzer conforming to ANSI S1.11.
The sound source will consist of:
1) A loudspeaker / horn: one or more, each having a sufficiently smooth frequency response
within the range of frequencies to be qualified.
2) A frequency generator, tunable to and meeting the tolerances given for the frequencies given
in Table B1. A digital frequency synthesizer is recommended for ease of setting frequency.
3) A frequency counter accurate within 0.05 Hz over the pertinent frequency range.
4) A power amplifier of suitable power and having an output impedance compatible with the
loudspeaker(s) / horn(s).
5) A voltmeter capable of monitoring within 0.05% of the voltage across the loudspeaker(s) /
horn(s) at all test frequencies.
17
AMCA 300-05
for the test subject and placed so that the open cone faces away from the nearest room surface. Using
the same input voltage to the loudspeaker(s) / horn(s) as for the loudspeaker / horn test, space and time
averaged sound pressure levels Lps are measured for the discrete frequencies of the one-third octave
band.
B.4 Computation
The room test sound pressure level is then corrected to remove the effect of the loudspeakers / horns
near-field characteristic by subtracting the loudspeaker / horn test sound pressure level. The arithmetic
mean for the room sound pressure level is then calculated, and the standard deviation s of the difference
between the average sound pressure level and the arithmetic mean sound pressure level is determined
by:
Lps
n 1 k 1
>
1/ 2
Lps
(B.4-1)
Where:
(Lps)k = the corrected sound pressure level, in dB, averaged over all microphone positions, of the kth
discrete frequency,
___
= the arithmetic mean of (Lps)k values averaged over all n test frequencies within the one-third
Lps
octave band,
n = the number of discrete frequencies within the one-third octave band.
B.5 Qualification
A test room is accepted as qualified for pure tone testing within a given one-third octave band if the
standard deviation s, in dB, for that band does not exceed the values given in Table B2. If a one-third
octave band does not qualify, some modification will be required to the microphone location, to the test
position, or to the room absorption [7] [8].
18
AMCA 300-05
Table B1 - Test frequencies for alternative qualification of reverberant room facility for measuring
sound power levels of noise sources containing significant discrete frequency components (from
ANSI S12.51-2002)
Center frequency of one-third octave bands, Hz
100
---90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
--1
125
-113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
1
160
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
1
200
---180
182
184
186
188
190
192
194
196
198
200
202
204
206
208
210
212
214
216
218
220
222
--2
250
-226
228
230
232
234
236
238
240
242
244
246
248
250
252
254
256
258
260
262
264
266
268
270
272
274
276
2
315
---285
288
291
294
297
300
303
306
309
312
315
318
321
324
327
330
333
336
339
342
345
348
--3
400
361
364
367
370
373
376
379
382
385
388
391
394
397
400
403
406
409
412
415
418
421
424
427
430
433
436
439
3
500
--445
450
455
460
465
470
475
480
485
490
495
500
505
510
515
520
525
530
535
540
545
550
555
--5
630
--564
570
576
582
588
594
600
606
612
618
624
630
636
642
648
654
660
666
672
678
684
690
696
702
-6
800
--712
720
728
736
744
752
760
768
776
784
792
800
808
816
824
832
840
848
856
864
872
880
888
--8
1000
---900
910
920
930
940
950
960
970
980
990
1000
1010
1020
1030
1040
1050
1060
1070
1080
1090
1100
1110
--10
1250
-1130
1140
1150
1160
1170
1180
1190
1200
1210
1220
1230
1240
1250
1260
1270
1280
1290
1300
1310
1320
1330
1340
1350
1360
1370
1380
10
1600
1470
1480
1490
1500
1510
1520
1530
1540
1550
1560
1570
1580
1590
1600
1610
1620
1630
1640
1650
1660
1670
1680
1690
1700
1710
1720
1730
10
2000
---1800
1820
1840
1860
1880
1900
1920
1940
1960
1980
2000
2020
2040
2060
2080
2100
2120
2140
2160
2180
2200
2220
--20
2500
-2260
2280
2300
2320
2340
2360
2380
2400
2420
2440
2460
2480
2500
2520
2540
2560
2580
2600
2620
2640
2660
2680
2700
2720
2740
2760
20
Tolerance of
Increment,
Hz
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.5
0.5
1.5
Number
of
test
frequencies,
n
22
26
27
22
26
22
27
23
24
23
22
26
23
22
26
Increment,
Hz
Maximum
Allowable
Standard
Deviation s (dB)
3.0
2.0
1.5
1.0
19
AMCA 300-05
20
AMCA 300-05
Annex C
(informative)
Uncertainties analysis
C.0 General
The analysis of the uncertainty associated with measurements made in accordance with this standard
provides identification of certain critical points so as to recognize the limitations of the results.
Furthermore, it provides an approximation, in real values, of the imprecision in the recorded results.
C.1 Definitions
Precision error is an error that causes readings to take random values on either side of some mean
value.
Systematic error is an error that persists and cannot be considered as due entirely to chance.
Uncertainty is an estimated value for error, i.e., what we think an error would be if we could and did
measure it by calibration. Although uncertainty may be the result of both precision and systematic errors,
only precision errors can be treated by statistical methods.
The uncertainty in a researched value is described by specifying the measured value followed by the
uncertainty interval at the desired confidence level:
LW = m w at P confidence level
(C.1-1)
Where:
m = measured value
w = uncertainty
P = percent
C.2 Uncertainties
The uncertainties associated with the determination of sound power levels through measurements
performed in accordance with this standard are room response (C.3), fan operating points (C.4),
instrument error (C.5), and RSS (C.6). Uncertainties associated with duct end reflection corrections
involve the accuracy of estimating the losses from orifice plates (C.8). Other areas of interest involve the
use of octave or one-third octave bands (C.9) and the problems associated with testing in the 63 Hz band
(C.10).
C.3 Room response
A reverberant room is an appropriate place for determining the acoustical power of a source, such as a
fan, that emits a steady sound power. The reverberant room must be diffuse enough to produce a
reverberant field.
When a sound source is operated inside a reverberant room, the sound waves are reflected by the walls
and are propagated in all directions. If the paths of all the waves could be seen, we would notice a
number of repetitions, (e.g., the path followed by a wave between two parallel walls). These paths are
called normal modes. The greater the number of normal modes, the better the sound dispersion in the
room. The modes must be sufficiently numerous in any measurement band so that the microphone
traverse will serve to average the sound pressure. The number of normal modes in a given space
21
AMCA 300-05
increases with frequency. Hence, it is usually more precise to measure higher frequencies. When the
number of modes are few, it helps to measure the sound in many locations and average the results. Two
important sources of error may affect the measurements made in a reverberant room: 1) the error
introduced by measuring the sound field at a limited number of points, and 2) variations in sound power
due to the location of the sound source. Many sources radiate sound that is not entirely broad-band, but
contains significant discrete-frequency components, or pure tones. Some fans generate a pure tone at
the blade passage frequency and sometimes at harmonic frequencies.
In a reverberant room, a pure tone tends to excite certain modes that will dominate all others. This
noticeably increases the variability of the pressure field due to an insufficient dispersion of the sound field.
Due to the consequent inaccuracy of sound pressure averaging, the precision of the results is reduced.
C.3.1 Broad-band measurement in a reverberation room
Broad-band sound is uniformly distributed in frequency with relatively steady levels and with no prominent
discrete-frequency or narrow-band components. Measurement of broad-band sound may be made in a
test room qualified per Annex A.
C.3.2 Pure-tone measurement in a reverberation room
When a discrete-frequency component is present in the sound spectrum of a source, the spatial
variations in sound pressure level usually exhibit maxima separated by minima having an average
spacing of approximately 0.8 O, where O is the wavelength corresponding to the discrete frequency of
interest.
The presence of a significant discrete-frequency component in the sound produced by a source can often
be detected by a simple listening test. If such a component is audible, or detectable by narrow-band
analysis, the qualification procedure described in Annex B is recommended.
If the test room is not qualified for pure-tone measurement, the measurement uncertainty will most
probably be higher in the bands containing the blade passage frequency and its harmonics than if
measured in a qualified test room.
Discrete-frequency components may be present in the sound spectrum even when these components
are not audible. A conclusion that no discrete-frequency components are present can only be reached by
performing the test described in C.3.3.
C.3.3 Test for discrete-frequency components
The following procedure can be used to estimate the spatial standard deviation of the sound pressure
levels produced by the test subject in the test room.
Select an array of six fixed microphones (or a single microphone at six positions) spaced at least O/2
apart, where O is the wavelength of the sound corresponding to the lowest band mid-frequency of interest
and meeting all the requirements for microphone positions in Annex A. Locate the sound source at a
single position in the test room in accordance with Annex A.
Obtain the time-averaged sound pressure level Lpj at each microphone position according to the
techniques described in Annex A.
For each one-third octave band within the frequency range of interest, calculate the standard deviation s,
in dB, from the following equation:
22
AMCA 300-05
1 nm
Lpcj Lp j
nm 1 j 1
1/ 2
2
(C.3-1)
Where:
Lpcj = sound pressure level, corrected for the background sound level in accordance with the procedures
of Section 6.2.1 for the jth microphone position, dB
__
Lpj = arithmetic mean of (Lpc)j values, averaged over all microphone positions, dB
nm = number of microphone positions = 6
The magnitude of s depends upon the properties of the sound field in the test room. These properties are
influenced by the characteristics of the room as well as the characteristics of the sound source (i.e.,
directivity and spectrum of the emitted sound). In theory, a standard deviation of 5.57 dB corresponds to
a spectral component of zero bandwidth, i.e., a discrete tone.
Table C1 - Characterization of the presence of discrete-frequency or narrow-band components,
based upon the spatial variation of the sound field
Standard
Deviation, s
(dB)
s<1.5
1.5<s<3
s>3
Characterization
23
AMCA 300-05
Tolerance
(dB)
1.0
1.5
2
Tolerance
(dB)
1.0
0.5
1.0
One-Third
Octave Band
Center
Frequency
(Hz)
100 to 160
200 to 315
400 to 5000
6300 to 10000
Standard
Deviation
(dB)
3.0
2.0
1.5
3.0
24
AMCA 300-05
Uncertainty in E (dB)
Range of 0.5 kD
<0.25
0.25-1 >1
Flush
1
3
2
0.5
Free Space
1
3
2
0.5
1-2
3
2
0.5
2-5
4
3
1
Note: When pure tones are present, uncertainties will be substantially greater.
r
Lp
Measured
80
65
64
Combined
+E
= (Lp+E)
dB
80.2
+10.2
=90.4
25
AMCA 300-05
Lp
Measured
Combined
+E
80
65
64
+12.1
+10.2
+8.3
=92.1
=75.2
=72.3
=(Lp+E)
dB
=92.2
OCTAVE
BAND
OVER ESTIMATION
OCTAVE
BAND
NO ERROR
OCTAVE
BAND
UNDER ESTIMATION
26
AMCA 300-05
Annex D
(informative)
Alternative procedure for reference sound source calibration
D.1 General
Calibration of a Reference Sound Source (RSS) in conformance with the requirements of ANSI S12.5
requires a hemi-anechoic room qualified for measurements over the entire frequency range of interest.
Laboratories that otherwise would be able to perform the required calibration but which are not qualified
for measurements in the first octave band may use the alternative procedure of this Annex. This
alternative procedure is based on sound intensity measurements per ANSI S12.12.
D.2 Equipment and facilities
Equipment and facilities shall be as required for RSS calibration in conformance with ANSI S 12.5, with
the exception that the hemi-anechoic chamber need not be qualified below the 125Hz full octave band
(100 Hz one-third octave band). Sound intensity measuring equipment shall comply with the
requirements of ANSI S 12.12.
Additional RSS units may be sound power level calibrated by comparing the sound power levels of the
source to another unit that was calibrated in accordance with Sections D.1 through D.5. It is not
necessary that each and every reference sound source be calibrated directly in accordance with the
procedures described below. It may be possible to transfer a calibration from one unit to another by
using a simpler type of test. For example, the Substitution Method of the present standard might be used
to calibrate (secondary calibration) one reference sound source relative to another, similar, reference
sound source that has been calibrated as described below (primary calibration). In order that such a
secondary calibration does not result in an unacceptable degradation of accuracy, it normally will be
necessary to use more source locations and microphone positions than the minimum requirements of the
present standard and to exercise additional caution in carrying out the measurements.
D.3 Qualification
The RSS calibration procedure of ANSI S12.5 shall be carried out over the 50 Hz through 10,000 Hz onethird octave band frequency range and 63 Hz through 8000 Hz full octave band frequency range. If the
calibration is in conformance with ANSI S12.5 in all respects except for the qualification of the test facility
below the 100 Hz one-third octave band, the alternative calibration procedure below may be used. If the
calibration is not in complete conformance with ANSI S12.5 for any other reason, the alternative
calibration procedure is not applicable.
D.4 Procedure
The requirements of ANSI S12.5 are duplicated in the lowest three full octave (nine one-third octave)
bands, with the substitution of sound intensity level measurements, made in compliance with ANSI
S12.12, for the sound pressure level measurements required by ANSI S12.5. For all measurements,
sound intensity shall be measured in the outward radial direction. The sound power levels determined
from these measurements shall be compared with those determined from the corresponding sound
pressure level measurements. If in all frequency bands the determined sound power levels differ by no
more than the tolerances given in Table D1, the calibrated sound power levels for the RSS are reported
as specified in Section D.5. The directivity index is not calculated from the intensity measurements.
27
AMCA 300-05
One-third
Octave
Band (Hz)
50-80
100-315
Tolerance
(dB)
4.0
1.0
28
AMCA 300-05
Annex E
(normative)
Duct end reflection correction
E.1 General
Conditions at the end of a test duct will prevent some of the sound energy from being transmitted into the
test room. Therefore, the sound power measured in the room will be less than the true sound power in a
duct. Unless an anechoic termination is used, correction factors must be added to the fan sound
pressure measured in the test room in order to account for the reduction caused by end reflection.
The prediction of the duct end reflection is difficult. Theoretical solutions exist only for round ducts with
highly idealized end conditions and are based on the assumption that the frequency is low enough that
only plane waves exist (which implies that ka<S). Actual fan test setups rarely, if ever, conform to the
conditions under which the theoretical solutions are valid. Using the methods suggested in this Annex
will result in predicted values that are reasonably close to the actual values. Nonetheless, the test setup
should be selected to minimize the potential error by using components that most closely reproduce the
theoretical conditions.
For open ducts (i.e., no orifice) theoretical solutions exist for two cases: a thin-walled round duct
terminating in an infinite space [On the Radiation of Sound from an Unflanged Circular Pipe, Levine,
H., and Schwinger, J. Physical Review, Vol. 72, No. 4, February 15, 1948] and a round duct terminating
in an infinite wall [Fundamentals of Acoustics, 3RD Edition, Kinsler, Frey, Coppens and Sanders, Wiley,
New York, 1982 , equations 9.13 and 9.14]. Most test setups incorporate terminations that use a flanged
duct terminating in a large space, which would make the solution provided by Levine & Schwinger more
appropriate, assuming no orifice is used.
For ducts with orifices, no theoretical solution exists for the case of a duct terminated in infinite space.
For the flush-mounted duct (duct terminated in an infinite wall) the effect of an orifice plate with a round,
centrally located hole can be calculated [Acoustics, Beranek, L., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1950, Section
5.2].
For most test setups, when the test is conducted using an orifice on the tested end, there is no theory to
predict the end correction values.
E.2 End reflection curves
It is strongly recommended that, whenever possible, sound test setups be chosen so that there is no
requirement to apply duct end correction. In the event that circumstances require a setup indicating the
presence of a duct end correction there are four cases to be considered. The four cases are considered
separately below.
E.2.1 Open ducts in a large space
To determine the end reflection values, it is necessary to first calculate the reflection coefficient R, which
gives the fraction of the energy reflected back into the duct. Levine and Schwinger reduced the exact
solutions to manageable forms, one for ka<1 and one for ka>1. Note: k = Z/c = 2/O, a = D/2, and
Z = 2 Sf.
The two equations are:
29
AMCA 300-05
ka2 ka4
1 19
1
log10
exp
6
Jka 12
2
Ska exp(ka)1 32
ka2
Eq. E-1
for ka < 1
Eq. E-2
for ka > 1
The ratio between the transmitted sound and the reflected sound is D = 1 - ~R~2 and thus the end
correction (in dB) is E 10 log10 D . These equations shall be used to calculate E as a function of ka
(0.5kD). The resulting curve is shown for illustrative purposes in Figure E1 (r=1). Values are presented
up to ka = 4, even though the equations are strictly limited to ka < 3.832.
r=5
r=2
r=1
30
AMCA 300-05
ZM
ka
2k 2
Eq. E-3
J1W
W
W3
W5
W7
2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 4 2 4 6 2 4 6 8
Eq. E-4
K1W
W7
2 W3 W5
2 2 2
S 3
3 5 3 5 7
Eq. E-5
Z Sa Uc 1
Z Sa Uc 1
Eq. E-6
B
A
1 R
10 log10 D
Eq. E-7
Eq. E-8
The series for the Bessel functions J1 and K1 converge rapidly (at least for values of ka < 3.6), so the
computation of E vs. ka is straightforward. The resulting curve for illustrative purposes is shown in Figure
E2 (r=1). As before, values are shown up to ka = 4, but for ka >3.6, the value of D is defined to be 1.
E.2.3 Orificed ducts terminated in a large wall
If a round duct terminating into a large wall is fitted with an orifice plate with a centrally located round
hole, the equations in Section E.2.2 may be easily modified to predict the end reflection. Continuing with
the assumption of plane wave propagation, the end reflection may be calculated by calculating R using ka
based on the orifice radius, and calculating the transmission coefficient by assuming that the orifice
reduces the transmission coefficient by a factor of 1/r, where r is the ratio of duct area to orifice area. End
reflection values for r = 2 and r = 5 are shown for illustrative purposes in Figure E2.
The curves in Figure E2 are drawn to ka = 4, even though their range of applicability may be limited to
much lower values. For the open duct (r = 1) the end reflection is clearly seen to be zero for all values of
ka > 3 since the failure to meet the plane wave criteria is not critical. For the orificed cases, the end
correction values for ka>1 are questionable due to the failure to meet the plane wave criteria, and are
0.5
very suspect for ka > (Sr) since for these values of ka the wave length is smaller than the orifice
diameter.
31
AMCA 300-05
r=5
r=2
r=1
32
AMCA 300-05
r=2
18
17.4
16.9
16.5
16
15.6
15.2
13.5
12.2
11.1
10.2
9.4
8.8
8.2
7.7
7.3
7
6.7
6.4
6.1
5.9
5.7
5.4
4.8
4.5
4.52
4
r=5
18.6
18
17.5
17.1
16.7
16.3
15.9
14.3
13.1
12.1
11.3
10.6
10.1
9.6
9.2
8.9
8.6
8.4
8.2
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.5
7.4
ka
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
4.0
r=2
3.9
3.7
3.6
3.5
3.5
3.4
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.2
3.2
3.2
3.2
3.2
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
r=5
7.4
7.4
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
33
AMCA 300-05
Annex F
(informative)
Filter-weighted measurements
In certain sound measurement situations, the presence of high amplitude sound at frequencies 45 Hz
can reduce the effective dynamic range of the analyzer in the measurement frequency range of interest
for this standard (45 Hz to 11,200 Hz). While use of an analyzer with a large dynamic measurement
range can solve this problem, it may sometimes be necessary to use another approach.
Sound pressure level readings may be made with the sound level meter or signal amplifier set for a welldefined filter weighting effect in order to improve the dynamic range and measurement quality, provided
that any effect in the frequency range 45 Hz to 11,200 Hz is compensated and the equipment satisfies all
the requirements of Section 4 of this standard. The weighting filter shall be the same for all
measurements (background, RSS, and fan).
34
AMCA 300-05
Annex G
(informative)
Radiation of sound by fan casing
G.1 General
The sound radiated by a fan casing may be determined by the following method. Except as provided for
below, all the requirements of this standard apply.
G.2 Instruments and equipment
Shall be as required in Section 4.
G.3 Setup and test
The fan inlet and fan outlet shall be ducted to termination points outside the test room. Ducts and
connections should be constructed and secured such that the acoustic energy radiated through this
equipment is no more than 10% of the total energy radiated by the fan casing into the test room. The test
room sound pressure levels may be affected by sound radiating from the inlet and discharge ductwork
connected to the test subject, causing measured sound pressure levels to be somewhat higher than the
true casing radiated sound pressure levels. This effect can be minimized by using internally lined round
ductwork. No correction for duct-radiated sound power is allowed. NOTE: If there is any doubt
concerning the contribution of extraneous sound transmitted by ductwork, the importance of same can be
checked by increasing the transmission loss of the ductwork.
G.4 Observations and calculations
Sound pressure levels Lpq and Lpk shall be observed as provided for in Section 6. The sound pressure
levels Lpq and Lpk are observed and subject to the provisions for Lp in Section 6. For possible pure tones
and additional testing, the results of the test of a fan casing are subject to the same requirements as the
test of a fan.
LWk = Lpk + (LWr - Lpq ) in each frequency band
(G.4-1)
Where:
LWk = sound power radiated through the fan casing,
Lpk = fan casing sound pressure level.
35
AMCA 300-05
Annex H
(informative)
Total fan sound testing with attached ducts
It is intended that the fan sound power levels determined by this standard reflect the sound produced at a
known fan operating point. The length of test ducts used to determine sound power would, therefore, be
identical to the duct length defined an ANSI/AMCA 210. It has been determined that shorter duct lengths
are also acceptable and may be used. Care must be taken to ensure that for the actual duct lengths
used, no duct resonances exist in close proximity to specific frequencies of interest, e.g., the blade
passage frequency.
Although it is recognized that the inlet and outlet sound power levels of a fan are generally not equal, it is
necessary to make some assumptions about the relationship between these levels to apply duct end
reflection correction. The equations in Figure H1 are based upon the assumption that the inlet and outlet
sound power levels of a fan are equal.
36
AMCA 300-05
FAN
OPTIONAL
ORIFICE
FAN
B: FREE INLET
DUCTED OUTLET
FAN
C: DUCTED INLET
FREE OUTLET
D: DUCTED INLET
DUCTED OUTLET
Installation Type
LW Equations
B: Free Inlet,
Ducted Outlet
C: Ducted Inlet,
Free Outlet
D: Ducted Inlet,
Ducted Outlet
This test procedure and the above calculations are based on the following:
1. Directivity from the fan is averaged by the reverberant test room and the microphone location is such that it is
sensing total averaged sound pressure levels.
2. Duct construction is such that the transmission loss through the duct wall is large enough to eliminate any addition
to the measured sound pressure levels.
3. No resonances are present on either the fan structure, supporting devices or driving devices that provide any
significant pure tones that may add to the measured sound pressure levels.
4. The factor of 3 in the above equations is based on the assumption that fan sound power is equally distributed
between inlet and outlet.
37
AMCA 300-05
Annex J
(informative)
References
[1]
AMCA Standard 300-67 Test Code for Sound Rating, Air Movement and Control Association
International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1967.
[2]
AMCA Standard 301-90 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Power Levels from Laboratory Test
Data, Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1990.
[3]
Harris, C.M., Editor, Handbook of Noise Control, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1979
[4]
Parker, S.P., Dictionary of Scientific and Engineering Terms, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York,
NY, 1989
[5]
ANSI S1.6-1984 (R1990) Preferred Frequencies, Frequency Levels and Band Numbers for
Acoustical Measurements, Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, 1990
(AMCA #1108-84-AO)
[6]
Sepmeyer, L.W., Computed Frequency and Angular Distribution of the Normal Modes of
Vibration in Rectangular Rooms, Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY,
Vol. 37 No. 3, March, 1985
(AMCA #1891-65-AO)
[7]
AMCA #1901-85-A1 List of References on Room Calibration, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc., Arlington Heights, IL, 1985.
[8]
Crocker, M. J., w/ Pande, L. and Sandbakken, R., Investigation of End Reflection Coefficient
Accuracy Problems with AMCA 300-67, Herrick Laboratories Report HL 81-16, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, IN, 1981.
(AMCA #1184-81-A6)
[9]
Noise Control Engineering, Vol. 7, No. 2, Noise Measurement Facilities, and ANSI S1.21-1972,
Methods for the Determination of Sound Power Levels of Small Sources in Reverberant Rooms.
[10]
ANSI S12.11-1987 (R1993) Methods for the Measurement of Noise Emitted by Small Air Moving
Devices, Acoustical Society of America, New York, NY, 1993.
[11]
Baade, P.K., 1977, Effects of acoustic loading on axial flow fan noise generation, Noise Control
Engineering, 8(1):5-15
[12]
38
The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
worlds manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.