In battery storage facilities, noise is continuously generated as the cooling fans and power conditioners (PCS) operate, making noise control essential from the planning stage. Especially when there are residential buildings nearby, there are cases where noise becomes a neighborhood issue after operation, leading to issues such as “loud noise.” Therefore, it is important to conduct preliminary consideration based on the site conditions.

In this case, noise simulation was conducted using the neighboring residential area as a reference point, and based on the results, the height and installation location of the soundproofing wall were considered. By understanding the impact on the surrounding environment in advance, we are able to ensure the necessary soundproofing performance while maintaining a reasonable planning of the equipment, ensuring that it is not excessive.

　　　

Challenges in noise control for storage battery systems

Since the planned battery storage facility in Chiba Prefecture is located near residential areas, it was necessary to assess the impact of the equipment’s operational noise on the living environment from the planning stage and to mitigate it to the greatest extent possible.

However, since the battery storage equipment does not fall under the regulations stipulated by the Noise Control Law (specific facilities), the regulatory standards under the law do not apply directly.^{note (supplementary information) symbol}Therefore, how to set target values that take into account the living environment in the vicinity became an issue to be considered in this plan.

In addition, it was also required to predict noise based on actual design plans, taking into account conditions such as the sound power level of the equipment used, the layout of the facilities, and the distance to neighboring residences, and to determine the necessary soundproofing performance.

Furthermore, in order to create a facility that takes into account both economic efficiency and noise impact to the surrounding area, it was a challenge to rationally determine the height and placement of the soundproofing wall.

For more information about the difference between the Noise Control Act and environmental standards, please see "Noise control measures for battery storage facilitiesPlease see "".

　　

Table 1 Facility Overview

Location	Within Chiba Prefecture
Main sources of noise	Industrial storage battery equipment (cooling fans, power conditioners)
Surrounding environment	Residential buildings are located nearby (listening points: 6 locations in P-1 to P-6)
Considered noise regulations	Noise Control Act, Environmental Standards

　　

Details of Measures

We are considering the process from inquiry to the proposal of countermeasures in the following flow.

　　

• 1. Proposal for how to set target values
  Since the regulations under the Noise Control Act do not directly apply to this plan, we presented two approaches—the standard values under the Act and the environmental standards—for setting the target values, and proposed adopting environmental standards that take into account the surrounding living environment. After consultation with the administration and neighboring residents, we adopted the environmental standards as voluntary target values.
  　
• 2. Implementation of noise simulation
  Based on the acoustic power levels and placement of the intended equipment, such as the storage system container and power conditioner (PCS), noise propagation simulations were performed for each listening point (6 locations in P-1 to P-6). This resulted in calculating the noise level reaching the residential side (Figure 1).
  　
• 3. Consideration and proposal of specifications for soundproofing walls and installation locations
  Based on the simulation results, we proposed a 3-meter-high soundproof wall that ensures the required soundproofing performance to meet the target value. The installation location was designed based on the noise source and the position of the residence, keeping it to a minimum necessary size.

　　

　　

Noise Simulation Results | Comparison of Countermeasure Target Values and Acoustic Calculation Results

The results of the noise level prediction calculations (simulations) performed at each sound receiving point (surrounding impact assessment points) during the preliminary construction planning stage are as follows:

If no measures were taken, the predicted noise level at the listening point was 57 dB. However, by installing a soundproof wall 3 meters high, it was confirmed that the target value of 45 dB could be achieved at all listening points (the volume is roughly the same as in the library).
For more information about noise level guidelines, please see here.this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)for more information.

　　

■ Predicted Calculation Results List (Noise Level Unit: dB)

　

Noise mitigation measures	P-1	P-2	P-3	P-4	P-5	P-6
Countermeasure target value	45	45	45	45	45	45
If there are no noise reduction measures	49	55	57	53	44	47
Soundproof wall (1m)	49	55	57	53	44	47
Soundproof wall (2m)	43	53	55	47	45	45
Soundproof wall (3m)	38	44	45	41	45	45

　　

*Blue text satisfies the target value or less

　　

Noise prediction contour map

　　

　　

summary

Storage battery facilities are not necessarily subject to the regulations of the Noise Control Act.
However, once operational, continuous noise is generated from storage system containers and power conditioners (PCS), so regardless of regulatory restrictions, it is important to identify the noise risk from the planning stage and clearly define countermeasures.

In this case, even though it was not subject to regulatory restrictions, we set environmental standards as voluntary target values and based on simulations, we reviewed the specifications of the soundproofing wall. By being able to concretize the countermeasures before commissioning, we were able to utilize them for explaining to the administration and neighboring residents, ensuring that noise control measures were implemented consistently from the planning stage.

Those considering plans for a storage battery facility should consider noise control from the planning stage. We provide consistent support, from preliminary noise simulation studies to the design and construction of soundproofing walls.

　　

　

Related Pages

Product Information_Soundproofing Wall (Noise Control for Factories, etc.)

Technical column_Noise control measures for storage battery facilities