Noise hazards of energy storage power stations

Are battery energy storage systems causing noise?

Image: Wartsila. The noise of battery energy storage system (BESS) technology has “exploded” as a concern in the last six months, an executive from system integrator Wartsila ES&O said. BESS units primarily emit noise from their cooling systems, but balance of system (BOS) components like inverters and transformers also produce noise emissions.

Did NMS conduct a noise study for a new battery energy storage facility?

In July, 2022, NMS was retained to conduct a detailed noise study for a new Battery Energy Storage Facility near Los Angeles (for confidentiality purposes, no identifying client or site information is included in this article). The facility consisted of over 300 batteries, over 60 PCS units and two transformers covering about 6 acres of land.

Are noise emissions increasing with energy density?

More sophisticated cooling systems mean that the noise emissions are not necessarily growing with the increased energy density, however. Inverter and BESS firm Sungrow pointed out to in a recent interview that its latest generation product increased the energy-per-container from 2.5MWh to 5MWh but the max noise emissions went from 79dB to 75dB.

Does a Bess system emit a lot of noise?

BESS units primarily emit noise from their cooling systems, but balance of system (BOS) components like inverters and transformers also produce noise emissions. Growing deployments mean projects are being built nearer to populations and in more population-dense regions, creating potential problems for local acceptance.

How much noise does a Bess facility produce?

A BESS facility comprising of several hundred battery units can easily produce noise levels over 70 decibels at residences located 100 ft from the site. With typical city noise ordinances requiring compliance with 45 dBA noise limits at night, mitigating these facilities can be a challenge!

Does a 5MWh cooling system increase noise?

Many China-based companies have 5MWh systems in the same space, and Western system integrators like Wartsila and Powin are subsequently responding. More sophisticated cooling systems mean that the noise emissions are not necessarily growing with the increased energy density, however.