MODIFICATIONS

OF A BACKPACK
VACUUM
CLEANER FOR
NOISE CONTROL
Project Proposal

Prepared by: Jiayue Li

School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering

Table of Contents
1. Executive summary .................................................................................................... 3

2. Commercial backpack vacuum cleaner noise and impact on users ............................. 3

3. Challenges in reducing noise ...................................................................................... 5

4. Proposed solutions .................................................................................................... 5

5. Methodology ............................................................................................................. 5

6. Timing and budget ..................................................................................................... 6

Reference .......................................................................................................................... 7

Table of Figures
Figure 2.1 (a) The model of Suprepro 700 backpack vacuum cleaner [3] (b) The pre-motor
filter system........................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2.2 Technical specification of SUPERPRO 700 Backpack vacuum cleaner [3] ............ 4
Figure 2.3 Sound pressure level of the running vacuum cleaner measured at the outlet of the
blower ................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 5.1 Flow chart of the methodology................................................................................. 6

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1. Executive summary

This project proposal was prepared for solutions to controlling the noise generated from the
commercial backpack vacuum cleaners made by PacVac via modifications on critical
components of the vacuum cleaners, after we inspected the mechanical structures of the models
and performed preliminary analysis based on the noise level measurements. The modifications
could be expected to produce the significant noise reduction for users.

2. Commercial backpack vacuum cleaner noise and impact on users

Speaking of the noise, the sound levels over the range between 70 dB to 80 dB can be
considered as noisy. It was studied that the sound pressure levels of normal conversations range
from 60 dB to 68 dB [1]. Compared to the noise level of normal conversations, a common
vacuum cleaner can generate relatively higher noise levels between 70 dB and 80 dB. It was
reported that a subject continuously exposed to a sound pressure level of over 85 dB will
gradually suffer the hearing loss [2]. Hence it is conservative to select a vacuum cleaner with
noise output under 70 dB. The model we aimed to perform modifications on is a Superpro 700
backpack vacuum cleaner. Figure (a) and (b) respectively demonstrate the model of the interest
and the assembly of the filter system, the induction motor and the vacuum working fan (VWF).

Figure 2.1 (a) The model of Suprepro 700 backpack vacuum cleaner [3] (b) The pre-motor filter system

The technical data of this model can be referred to the specification shown in Figure 2.2. The
noise level measured at 1.5 m is 67 dB(A). However, the noise level is supposed to be higher
than 67 dB when using it with the consideration of the volumetric airflow 38L/s.

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 Figure 2.2 Technical specification of SUPERPRO 700 Backpack vacuum cleaner [3]

For this reason, our team conducted noise level measurements at the outlet of the blower of a
running vacuum cleaner to see how the sound pressure level distributes within the frequency
between 1 kHz to 2 kHz, where the human ear is more sensitive compared to other frequency
regions. In Figure 2.3, it can be observed that high peaks of noise pressure levels of 82 dB, 95
dB and 106 dB occurred at the natural frequencies of 1289 Hz, 1611 Hz and 1933 Hz
respectively. Generally, the sound pressure levels maintained around 70 dB. Based on the
results, we can conclude such noise levels could have negative impact on physical health of
users. Hence, control measures are necessary to be taken to reduce the noise level of this
vacuum cleaner.

Figure 2.3 Sound pressure level of the running vacuum cleaner measured at the outlet of the blower

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3. Challenges in reducing noise

Vacuum cleaners can generate high noise levels because of numerous mechanisms. For
example, the induction motor of this vacuum cleaner can generate annoying noise due to
brushing arcing, the interactions between a rotor and a stator. Tones also can be induced by the
mechanical devices installed such as the bearings and rotor imbalance. The vacuum working
fan mounted on the induction motor also can generate noise caused by several mechanisms
such as inflow distortion and turbulence, the interactions between fan blades and dust particles
and so on. Or even the coupled system between the fan-motor assembly and the housing could
cause mechanical and aerodynamic vibration which can radiate the sound wave and energy.
Multiple noise control measures could be applied to achieve noise reduction. However, as a
trade-off, the system complexity and production cost could increase at the same time. Hence
on this stage, it is more practical to perform some small modifications or to re-design some
critical components to tailor the sound spectrum to reduce certain amount of noise levels.

4. Proposed solutions

In terms of the modifications on the components of the vacuum cleaner, we found there are
several aspects can be focused on. One is to reduce the blade passing frequency (BWF) tone of
the vacuum working fan. It can be achieved by modifying the VWF and its shroud. In addition,
another strategy is to introduce multiple tones to the noise sources by spreading the acoustical
energy into the shaft rate harmonics with the method of masking. Because it was found people
tend to recognize the sound with multiple tonality is less annoying than signal noise with high
amplitude [4]. Based on this, the blades require to be modified with the design of unequal
spacing. Apart from the modifications on the blades and the shroud of VWF, the blower casing
is another critical component can be modified to reduce the noise level. The aim is to reduce
the flow speed of the outlet air and to guide it within the channel smoothly to avoid in-flow
turbulence and vortex when the exhaust is diffusing to a larger area.

5. Methodology

The following flow chart shows the structures of the methodology of this project in Figure 5.1.
The first and the fundamental step of the noise control measures is noise auditing to identify
the noise sources and the noise transmission paths. Based on the analysis of the measurements
then we can rank all the noise sources and identify the dominant noise source for the further

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noise control measures. After that, the strategies to control the noise levels can be determined
following by the initial design of the critical components of the vacuum cleaner and the
production. Then the results of the sound pressure levels from the modified vacuum cleaner
will be compared to the noise levels of the original one to see how much noise reduction can
be achieved. Besides the objective testing, a subjective jury testing will be held among subjects
selected from some professional cleaners and UWA students. The feedback from this testing
will be combined with the results of the objective noise auditing of the modified prototype to
guide us to the further optimization of the noise control measures.

Noise sources Building up

Noise auditing identification control
and ranking strategies

Subjective jury Results Noise control

testing comparison modification

Further
optimization

Figure 5.1 Flow chart of the methodology

6. Timing and budget

Phase 1 (4 months-$11300)
1) Preliminary research on the unit of the interest ($1,000)
2) Noise auditing ($5,000)
3) Noise control measures and modifications ($5,000)
4) Progress report ($300)
Phase 2 (4 months-$8100)
1) Manufacturing of the prototypes and testing ($5,000)
2) Jury testing ($500)
3) Optimization ($2,000)
4) Final report ($600)

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Reference

[1] R. M. Warren, “Elimination of Biases in Loudness Judgments for Tones,” J. Acoust. Soc.
Am., vol. 48, no. 6B, pp. 1397–1403, Dec. 1970.
[2] Safe Work Australia, MANAGING NOISE AND PREVENTING HEARING LOSS AT
WORK Code of Practice, no. December. 2011.
[3] “Pacvac | Best Vacuum Cleaners | Vacuum Cleaners Online.” [Online]. Available:
https://pacvac.com.au/. [Accessed: 28-May-2018].
[4] T. Brungart and G. C. Lauchle, Modifications of a handheld vacuum cleaner for noise
control, vol. 49. 2001.