DETERMINATION OF ACTUAL DISTANCES FOR INSTALLATION OF A 100 kVA NON-SOUNDPROOF POWER GENERATOR AT RESIDENTIAL AREAS

Power generators should be professionally sited from the residential areas as noise from them demeans the superiority of our living. This work therefore presents determination of actual distances for installation of a 100 kVA non-soundproof power generator at residential areas. Measurements of noise levels with respect to distance, x from the generator were taken and linear regression method was used to analyse the data obtained. Environmental noise models were developed by using the relevant displayed parameters such as the maximum noise level of the generator, the attenuation coefficient and the coefficient of determination. The results obtained from the models developed, L(modelled) were compared with the results obtained from the physical measurements, L(measured) and there was insignificant difference between them. The results reveal that the distances, xc in metres in which its adverse effects covered in the residential areas were 0≤x_c≤67, while the distances, xs in metres at which it can be sited from the residential areas were 68≤x_s≤∞ . With the existence of x, the models developed in this work are recommended to be used as more reliable tools for environmental noise impact assessments.