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Design and Performance Evaluation of a Soundproof Enclosure for a 2.5kVA Generator
AMOS, AE; OLISA, YP & KOTINGO, K
Abstract
The high level of noise that radiates from domestic generators in most parts of the neighbourhoods
in Nigeria is becoming very much uncomfortable and constitutes nuisance to public serenity thereby creating noise
pollution. This paper reports the design and performance evaluation of a soundproof enclosure for a 2.5 kVA generator.
The purpose of this work was to reduce the sound pressure level (SPL) of the generator from a control value of 102
decibel to a comfortable noise level of about 86 decibel at a distance of 4 m. Material selection was done based on
absorptivity, sound reduction coefficient of acoustic materials and the sizing of the absorber was done to determine the
thickness required for lining the enclosure. Panel made of steel and sound absorbing material were used to control the
noise propagation at its transmission path. Performance test of the soundproof device was carried out and SPL from the
generator before and after the application of the enclosure were measured. This reveals a sound attenuation of 9.5, 12.9,
11.6, 12.2, 15.1, 14.5, and 15.5 dB at distances of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, 2.4, 3.0, 3.6, 4.2 m respectively by using mineral wool
with a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.78.
Keywords
Attenuation; Decibel; Absorber; Sound pressure level
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