Brandon Wallace

AGENDA

General Acoustic Terminology & Concepts

Common HVAC Chiller Assessment Example

Simplified Acoustic Design Example

Treatments
 What is Sound?

Sound is defined as any pressure variation

in air, water or other fluid medium which may be
detected by the human ear.

To be audible the disturbance must fall within the

frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Characteristics of Sound Waves
 What Are Octave Band Center
Frequency Wavelengths At 70°F?

The speed of sound in air at 70°F is 1,130 feet per second. Wavelengths in
feet for each center band frequency are listed below:

Frequency (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

Wavelength (Ft.) 17.9 9.03 4.51 2.26 1.13 0.56 0.28 0.14
 What Are Octave Bands?

Octave bands are identified by their center frequency such

that each band’s highest frequency is twice its lowest
frequency.
The most common octave bands used are 63 – 8000 Hz.
What Is The Difference Between
dB And dBA?
 A 1000 Hz tone at 40 dB would require a But on average, volume
90 dB tone at 20 Hz to sound as loud to us. relates as above
Why a Logarithmic Scale?
Using a reference value at 1000Hz

4 dB = Threshold of Hearing
(104)

130 dB = Threshold of Pain

(1013)
What is Sound Pressure?
Decibels of sound pressure (Lp) have a universally accepted reference
pressure of 2.0 x 10-5 Pascals (Pa).

Lp = 20 log10 [Root Mean Square (RMS) Sound Pressure]

2.0 x 10-5 Pa (Reference Pressure)

What Is Sound Power?

Decibels of sound power (Lw) have a universally accepted reference value
of 10-12 watts (1 picowatt).

Lw = 10 log10 Watts Sound Power

10-12 Watts (Reference Value)

Sound Pressure is dependent on the environment and can be measured.

Sound power is a theoretical calculated value that is independent of the
environment.

Sound Pressure must be associated with distance/location to be

useful!
How Are Decibel Levels Added Together?
How Are Frequencies Added Together?
Common Practice HVAC
Chiller
Acoustical Assessment
How can we solve for sound?

• Pick a model that isn’t tonal?

• Pick the lowest sound rated model?
• Specify OEM sound options?
 Tonal Noise
Tonal noise is sound at a discrete frequency

Sioux Falls, SD Municipal Code defines tone as:

“any sound which can be distinctly heard as a single pitch
or set of single pitches…. and shall exist of the one-third
octave band sound pressure level in the band when the
tone exceeds the arithmetic average of the sound levels of
the two contiguous one-third octave bands by five dB for
frequencies of 500 Hz and above, eight dB for frequencies
between 160-400 Hz, and by 15 dB for frequencies less
than or equal to 125 Hz.”
Sound Pressure Levels
 Sound Pressure Levels

1785

1071
357
714 1428
 dB
100
30

40

50

60

70

80

90
Z
C
A
12
16
20
25
32
40

Sound Pressure Levels

50
63
80
100
125
160
200
250
315
400
500
630
800
1k
1k25
1k6
2k
2k5
3k15
4k
5k
6k3
8k
10k
12k5
16k
20k
Hz
 dB

40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
12

16

20

25

32

40

50

63

80
10
0
12
5
16
0
20
0
25
0
31
5

Hz
40
0
50
0
63
0
80
0
10
00
12
Sound Pressure Levels

50
16
00
20
00
25
00
31
50
40
00
50
00
63
00
80
00
 Published Sound Power Data
(No OEM Sound Kit Options*)

Sound Power Levels (dB) Overall

Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) A-Wtd
4 Different 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (dBA)
Manufacturers &
1 97 94 92 97 90 88 84 82 97
Chiller Models
2 102 103 99 99 98 94 87 84 102
(Screw and Scroll
Designs) 3 67 70 79 83 89 91 88 80 95
4 93 99 97 100 97 91 88 80 105

Notes:
1. Sound levels based on chiller with only low noise fans
2. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
3. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
4. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
 Published Sound Pressure Data
(No OEM Sound Kit Options)
Sound Pressure Levels 5 (dB) @ 30' Overall
Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) A-Wtd
4 Different Chiller 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (dBA)
Manufacturers & 1 70 67 65 70 63 61 57 55 70
Models (Screw and 2 75 76 72 72 71 67 60 57 75
Scroll Designs) 3 40 43 52 56 62 64 61 53 68
4 66 72 70 73 70 64 61 53 74

Notes:
1. Sound levels based on chiller with only low noise fans
2. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
3. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
4. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
5. Sound pressure levels based on chiller acting as a point source on a single reflecting plane (hemispherical
radiation)
 Sound Pressure Data corrected for
property line receptor 80’ away
(No OEM Sound Kit Options)
Sound Pressure Levels 5 (dB) @ 80' Overall
Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) A-Wtd
4 Different Chiller 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (dBA)
Manufacturers & 1
61 58 56 61 54 52 48 46 61
Models (Screw
2 66 67 63 63 62 58 51 48 66
and Scroll
3 31 34 43 47 53 55 52 44 60
Designs)
4 57 63 61 64 61 55 52 44 66

Notes:
1. Sound levels based on chiller with only low noise fans
2. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
3. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
4. Sound levels based on chiller with no attenuation
5. Sound pressure levels based on chiller acting as a point source on a single reflecting plane (hemispherical
radiation)
 Sound Pressure Data corrected for property
line reception 80’ away (with OEM options)
Sound Pressure Levels 5 (dB) @ 80' Overall
Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) A-Wtd
4 Different Chiller 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 (dBA)
Manufacturers & Models 63 57 57 59 54 48 44 42 60
(Screw and Scroll 52 60 61 59 56 54 46 41 62
Designs) 31 33 43 46 49 51 48 42 56
57 63 61 61 60 55 52 42 64
Notes:
1. Sound levels based on full OEM sound package
5. Sound pressure levels based on chiller acting as a point source on a single reflecting plane (hemispherical
radiation)

None of the chillers will comply with typical

nighttime noise ordinance values of 50 to
52 dBA.
 Sioux Falls, SD Levels
Receiving Land Use Sound Level Sound Level Limit with
Time
Category Limit (dBA) Tone Penalty (dBA)
6:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m. 60 55
Residential
10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 55 50
6:00 a.m to 10:30 p.m. 60 55
Noise Sensitive Zone
10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 50 45
Commercial or Business At all times 65 60
Industrial At all times 75 70

Acoustic design should include 3 to

5 dBA safety factor
 How to interpret ARI published
sound data?
• ARI standards are testing/measurement
standards that simply ensure that each
manufacturer tests and measures the sound
levels of equipment in the same manner.

• They says nothing about whether or not the

equipment selected is acceptable or meets
code.

Published ARI Sound Data is often

extrapolated but never guaranteed
 Simplified Acoustic Design

1. Where are we now?

2. Where do we need to be?
3. What needs to be done to get there?
4. How much will that cost?
Design Considerations For Chiller
Sound Attenuation
 Design Example:
Where are we now?

Sound Power Levels

270 ton Air Cooled Chiller
“A”
Hz 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K
wtd.
PWL 90 98 99 97 94 92 85 81 100
Simplified Method For Converting Sound Power
(PWL) and Sound Pressure (SPL) Levels
 Outdoor Spreading Loss
(For Property Line 100’ away)
“A”
63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K wtd
PWL 90 98 99 97 94 92 85 81 100
Loss -37 -37 -37 -37 -37 -37 -37 -37

SPL 53 61 62 60 57 55 48 44
“A”
-26 -16 -9 -3 0 +1 +1 0 --
wtd
SPLA 27 45 53 57 57 56 49 44 63
Where do we need to be?
Recommended NC Levels For Various
Building Uses
 Where do we need to be?
(Ordinance Values)
“A”
Hz 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K
wtd
SPL 71 61 53 48 45 42 40 38 50
 What do we need to do to get
there?

“A”
63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K
wtd
Chiller 53 61 62 60 57 55 48 44 63

Ordinance 71 61 53 48 45 42 40 38 50

Needed
Attenuation -- -- 9 12 12 13 8 6 13
 What do we need to do to get there?

Noise Reduction Strategies

SOURCE PATH RECEIVER

Structure-borne Airborne Direct Indirect

General Rule of Thumb:

Under 10 dB look at Source Treatments
Over 10 dB look at Path or combination of Source and
Path Treatments
Chiller Treatments
 Acoustic
Covers/Blankets
Air Cooled Chillers
• Source control
• Removable Sound
Blankets
• Compressor, discharge
pipes, oil and vapor
separators treated
• 6 to 8 dBA typical
reduction
• Applications for moderate
level of noise reduction
 Condenser Fan
Treatment
Air Cooled Chillers
• Path Control at the
source
Panels supported by unit
• Modular acoustical
panels
• Attenuates condenser fan
noise
• 4 to 6 dBA typical
reduction
• Minimal pressure loss
impact
Panels Independently Supported, PE stamped
for 140 MPH Wind Load
 Solid Wall and Open
Fence Treatments

Air Cooled Chillers

• Direct path control
• Structural steel support
framework or attachment
to chain link, masonry
walls, or other structures
• 10 to 12 dBA typical
reduction
• Applications to attenuate
compressor and
condenser fan noise
 55 dBA at 10’

55 dBA at property line 80’ away
Roof design
Barrier Walls
Air Cooled Chillers
• Direct path control
• Modular acoustical barrier wall
• Acoustical panels stacked
between structural steel
support columns
• 12 to 15 dBA typical reduction
• Noise Sensitive Installations
• Height of barrier wall depends
on operating clearance around
equipment and desired noise
reduction.
 Full Enclosures
Air Cooled Chillers
• Direct Path Control
• Modular acoustical barrier wall
• Acoustical panels stacked
between structural steel
support columns
• Integrated acoustical air intake
and parallel baffle exhaust
plenum for aerodynamic
performance
• 15 to 20 dBA typical reduction
• Critical attenuation projects
3000 ton chiller meets 85 dBA at 1 meter
Acoustical
Covers/Blankets

Liquid Cooled Chillers

• Source control
• Removable Sound
Blankets
• Compressor, discharge
pipes, oil and vapor
separators treated
• 6 to 8 dBA typical
reduction
• Applications for moderate
level of noise reduction
RTHD with HUSH COVERS™ and “D”
ring banding
 Chiller and Enclosure Framework

Soft Enclosures
Liquid Cooled Chillers
• Direct path control
• Acoustical curtain system
• Sliding panel perimeter
walls and removable roof
• 12 to 15 dBA typical
reduction
• Velcro panel joining
• Noise sensitive
applications

Curtain system and removable roof panels

 Hard Enclosure

Liquid Cooled Chillers

• Direct Path Control
• Modular panel enclosure
• Full enclosure with
access doors and
removable service panels
• 15 to 20 dBA typical
reduction
• Optional ventilation
system
• Critical attenuation
projects
Rooftop Treatments
 Acoustic and
Vibration Curbs

• Isolates structure-borne noise

and vibration

• Vibration/Seismic Curbs
Vibration curb
• Static deflection up to 3”
• Requires resilient support and
connection to all ductwork,
piping and utility lines
• Internal isolation should be
locked down or omitted
• Design selection based on
lowest operating speed of
fans, building steel spans,
sensitivity of bldg. space and
project seismic requirements
Spring pocket close up
 In-curb Treatments

Absorber Material

Barrier Material • Isolates structure-borne noise

and vibration
• Reduces unit casing radiated
Reflash roof decking
around penetrations noise
Schematic detail of System • ARI 260-2001 excludes unit
base pan radiated noise
• Multi-layer in-curb treatment
using absorber and barrier
materials
• Decking flashed to ¼”
clearance around ducts
• Seal around ducts, inside curb
perimeter and at barrier
overlaps
In-Curb Acoustic Treatment
 In-duct & Breakout
Noise Treatments

• Isolates structure-borne noise

and vibration
• Reduces unit casing radiated
Schematic of unit with integrated supply & noise
return Duct silencers
• Minimizes in-duct and breakout
noise

• Vibration curb (36” high)

• Multi-layer in-curb treatment
• Duct silencers and plenums
(above deck) for supply and
return
• Aerodynamic pressure loss and
acoustic performance insertion
loss optimized within space
available inside curb
Supply plenum/elbow silencer assembly
 Internal Duct Liners

• Reduces in duct fan noise

transmitted to occupied spaces
via the ductwork system.

• 7:1 ratio of liner needed to

match silencer performance
– 21’ of liner to equal 3’ silencer
• Traditional and non-traditional
liners are available in the
industry
– Designs resistant to microbial
growth
• Flammability rating of Class 1
per ASTM E84 and NFPA 255
• Most liners install with
traditional adhesives and
methodologies.
Supply/discharge plenum with internal
acoustic insulation
 External Duct Lagging
• Reduces supply and return duct
breakout and radiated noise
• Composite exterior acoustic
insulation using quilted
fiberglass and loaded vinyl
Composite dual density absorber/barrier flexible barriers
constructions
• Sound Transmission Class
acoustic performance ratings of
STC-30
• Install with banding, adhesives
and/or mechanical insulation clip
fasteners
• Recommended on first 20’ of
supply ductwork for low
frequency applications
• Seams and overlaps need to be
properly sealed.
WSHP & VAV Treatment
 WSHP, VAV Boxes,
Etc.

• Reduces radiated noise from

the unit.

• Removable panels.
• Easy access to service fan,
Fan powered VAV box compressor, filter
• Typical 5-7 dBA reduction
• Double enclosure can boost
reduction to 10+ dBA
• Equipment treated
– Fan Coils
– VAV boxes
– Heat Pumps

Fan coil unit