Diesel Engine Generator Set, or Genset as they are commonly called, are used
primarily for emergency power generation or stand-by power in case of
power failure. In the case of emergency power the gensets are extremely
important piece of equipment for hospitals, utilities, and government
buildings in case of an emergency. Stand-by gensets provide back-up power
for many financial and data companies that rely on power to facilitate
their day to day operations. As you may have noticed, many of these
facilities are familiar and located in your neighborhood or near noise
sensitive areas. Here lies the importance of genset noise control and
acoustical enclosures. The diesel power generators provide insurance and
piece of mind in an emergency, but all other times we do not want to know
they are there. Gensets typically need to be tested on a regular schedule
to insure operation in case of an emergency.
Gensets have three areas that create the majority of the high sound
levels. The motor, the motor exhaust, and the radiator or cooling fan. The
motor and radiator require large volumes of air to keep them cool and
operating. This in sound enclosure design is critical. You are going to
place a large enclosed box over the genset, then cut big holes in it for
air flow and expect it to reduce the noise. Typically the acoustic enclosure is
constructed of heavy gauge solid steel outer skin, a perforated steel
inner skin, and sound absorbing insulation filling the void between the
two. The steel outer skin performs as a noise barrier (mass blocks noise)
and the absorber layer reduces reverberation within the enclosure. These
steel assemblies are constructed of large sheets or modular panels. To
tackle the motor cooling airflow requirement, acoustical silencers are
utilized. The sound attenuators are typically constructed of the same
materials described above utilizing solid steel, perforated steel and a
sound absorptive material. The silencers are designed for minimum pressure
loss and maximum sound reduction. This entire assembly of acoustical sound
barrier panels and sound attenuators provide noise control as well as
adequate airflow to achieve your sound reduction goals.
