ICEH Papers

STUDIES ON CONTROL OF NOISE FROM PORTABLE POWER GENERATOR


Parvathi, K. and A. Navaneetha Gopalakrishnan “Studies On Control Of Noise From Portable Power Generator” in Martin J. Bunch, V. Madha Suresh and T. Vasantha Kumaran, eds., Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Environment and Health, Chennai, India, 15-17 December, 2003. Chennai: Department of Geography, University of Madras and Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University. Pages 328 – 338.

Abstract:

Portable power generators are used very commonly in shops, offices and homes today in order to supply power during power shutdowns. These generators emit very high levels of noise, in addition to noxious air emissions. Exposure to noise causes detrimental effects on neuro-endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Chronic exposure to noise causes fatigue and interferes with concentration, thus reducing work efficiency.

Experimental studies on the assessment and control of indoor and near-field noise levels due to the operation of a portable power generator were undertaken at the Centre for Environmental Studies (CES), Anna University. Noise control was studied employing anti-vibration mounts (made up of rubber, coir, polyurethane foam, thermocole, wool–felt and sand bed) and enclosures (made up of cardboard, thermocole and a sandwich of cardboard and thermocole).

The sand beds of 32mm thickness (containing sand particle size 0.5 mm) with an air gap of 5 cm between sandwich enclosure walls, among anti-vibration mounts and enclosures, respectively, were found to be most effective in controlling noise due to the generator operation.

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