Comparative techno-economic analysis of two noise insulation methods for a gas-engine mini-CHP modular building

Abstract

Relevance: a gas-engine unit MWM TCG 3020 V20 with an electrical output of 2300 kW, installed in a mini-CHP modular building, is an intense noise source — the sound pressure level near the running engine reaches 100–105 dBA. Since such units are frequently located close to residential and public developments, compliance with noise sanitary standards is a mandatory operating condition. This paper compares two noise insulation methods implemented in practice.

Aim: to carry out a techno-economic and technical comparison of two methods — full acoustic cladding of the building (Chilanzar site) and a local acoustic enclosure around the unit with conventional building cladding (Sergeli site) — and to determine the solution providing the required acoustic efficiency at lower capital cost.

Methods: the cost of both variants was calculated for identical building dimensions (25.5×20.0 m) and panel thickness (150 mm); a three-dimensional layout model was built; photographic materials of two operating sites were analysed together with a comparative acoustic-efficiency assessment.

Results: it is shown that localizing acoustic protection at the noise source reduces the capital cost of noise insulation by 40.9% (saving about 155 298 050 UZS, or 12 325 USD) by reducing the acoustic-panel area from 703.45 to 109.73 m², with comparable acoustic efficiency according to engineering estimates.