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Online Exclusive: Improving HVAC Acoustics

Part 1:

Noise Control Principles For HVAC Design

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To Improve HVAC Acoustics, Isolate Mechanical Equipment Vibration

Part 3: Choosing

Energy -Efficient

Mechanical Equipment Reduces Noise

Choosing Energy-Efficient Mechanical Equipment

Reduces Noise
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By

Nicole

Scott Cuff - January 2014 -

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HVAC

Another way to reduce noise and vibration transmission is to ensure that the
mechanical equipment is selected for the most efficient operation as possible and
that the systems considered are generally energy-efficient. This may mean
considering equipment that is not necessarily the lowest first-cost, but may have a
low lifecycle cost. Additionally, a mechanically efficient design is a sustainable and
LEED -friendly design.
It is also possible to reduce noise and vibration transmission by avoiding packaged
rooftop units. Packaged units produce more significant levels of vibration and
higher levels of noise than a standard air handling unit because of the compressor
and condenser section. For example, a packaged unit installed above an
executives office on the top floor of an office building would require many
acoustical upgrades to isolate sound and vibration. A smarter choice would be a
traditional air-handling unit located in a mechanical room far from the executives
office .
Other energy -efficient equipment alternatives can be good for noise control
design. Alternate technologies to consider may include chilled beams or
displacement ventilation, where less airflow is required to cool the space than

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efficient operating point. For specifying engineers, this may mean choosing a
larger fan than may be initially recommended by the fan manufacturers selection
program.
Choosing efficient supply and return fans reduces the overall discharge noise from
the fan and consequently the noise that is transmitted into the space. If the fan
discharge noise contributes to a louder sound pressure level in the listening space
than desired, silencers should be considered. Plan to keep pressure drop through
the silencers low; if pressure drop is high, the silencers contribute their own
source of noise to the space.
Another important source of noise to consider is the noise that is generated by the
velocity of air flowing through ductwork. Fast-moving, turbulent air generates noise
in addition to the noise created by mechanical equipment. Velocities must be kept
in check acoustical consultants can advise mechanical engineers on the
specifics. Velocity restrictions can be relaxed somewhat if suitable sound-absorbing
internal ductwork liner is used.
As noted above, best practice noise control design is much more difficult to adopt
later on in the project or in an existing building. In existing buildings with HVAC
equipment, the acoustical solution is often limited to architectural upgrades if the
mechanical unit cannot be replaced or if the noise-generating equipment cannot be
moved. These solutions are generally less effective than solutions that are possible
earlier in the design of a new project.
When good noise control principles are considered early in the project design, the
overall project acoustics are improved and can be implemented with less cost and
greater ease.
Nicole Scott Cuff, PE, LEED AP BD+C, is a consultant in acoustics at Acentech Inc.,
a multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting
firm. She can be reached at ncuff@ACENTECH.com.
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Online Exclusive: Improving HVAC Acoustics

Part 1:

Noise Control Principles For HVAC Design

Part 2:

To Improve HVAC Acoustics, Isolate Mechanical Equipment Vibration

Part 3: Choosing Energy-Efficient Mechanical Equipment Reduces Noise

Comments

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Sharon Godlewski

Top Commenter Sheridan College

Facility managers rarely make these decisions. It's left to the Mechanical engineer designing the
project and the architect designing the structural layout. If it is noise sensitive they will bring in an
acoustical consultant. Even tenant re-work will have a mechanical engineer preparing the drawings.
They are well aware of noise and vibration considerations. Facility managers may be stuck with noise
from fan powered boxes and diffusers that a building owner opted for during construction as a cost
savings. Down sizing (fans, boxes, fan coils, duct runs) to save a couple of dollars adds to the cost
later when the complaints come in. Velocity increased for smaller ductwork makes loud noise through
diffusers. "value" engineering to save a few thousand dollars in the bid process can lead to thousands
of extra dollars after construction dealing with noise related issues. Building owners need to consider
the mechanical engineer knows what he or she is doing in the design process. That's where you can
avoid most of your noise issues
Reply Like February 6 at 8:42am
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