Characterising noise and annoyance in homes near a wind farm

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between indoor sound pressure level, local weather conditions, wind farm output power and resident rated annoyance in homes near a wind faun. A new methodology is presented that simultaneously records resident rated annoyance and corresponding time-series noise data while continuously monitoring one-third octave band noise levels and local weather conditions. Results of indoor noise and annoyance monitoring are presented for two homes near a wind farm whose residents claim to be annoyed by wind farm noise. Annoyance was found to be related to the overall noise level; however, noise levels were more strongly controlled by local wind speed.