1 Acoustic fundamentals
Friedrich Schnholtz,
Bad Hersfeld
Acoustic fundamentals
I. Airborne sound
Basic physics
1. General
The human ear perceives sounds
chiefly through the medium of the sur-
rounding air. A sound source sets the
air vibrating, causing a cycle of com-
pression and expansion. Superimpo-
sed over normal air pressure, these
oscillations propagate in the form of
waves. Upon reaching the human
ear, these sound waves cause our
eardrums to vibrate, thus triggering
the process of hearing.
The greater the amount of air com-
pression and expansion produced by
a sound source, the louder the sound
appears to our hearing. But the hu-
man ear not only perceives loudness.
Some sound sources cause the air to
compress and expand more often in
unit time than others. The number of
vibrations per second is referred to as
the frequency of airborne sound,
measured in Hertz (abbreviated to
Hz). The greater the number of vibra-
tions per second, the higher the to-
ne perceived by the human ear. Con-
versely, a lower frequency is heard as
a lower tone.
Fig. 1 shows a compression/expansi-
on curve which is higher than that in
Fig. 2, i.e. it represents a louder
sound. On the other hand, in Fig. 2
the airborne sound pressure vibra-
Fig. 1
tions occur more often in a time inter-
val t than in Fig. 1, i.e. the sound has
a higher tone.
2. Sound field parameters
These air vibrations can be measured
and physically analyzed in terms of
their key variables, referred to as
sound field parameters. Some of
these parameters are described be-
low.
Fig. 2
2.1 Sound velocity
The sound velocity c is the speed at
which sound waves travel - about 333
m/s under normal conditions.
2.2 Sound pressure
The term sound pressure refers to
the alternate compression and ex-
pansion of air caused by a sound
source. These pressure variations
are measured in bar (microbars).
Expansion sound pres- Compression sound
pressure in bar
sure in bar.
Table of contents
I. Airborne sound
Basic physics
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
2. Sound field parameters . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
2.1 Sound velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
2.2 Sound pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3
2.3 Sound power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
II. Sound pressure level and evaluation
1. Decibels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
2. Octave band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3. One-third octave band . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3
4. Phon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3
5. A, B, C weighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4
6. Measuring-surface sound pressure
level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5
III. Outdoor behaviour of sound
1. Sound propagation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6
2. Permissible values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6
3. Influence of distance . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6
4. Legal immission limits . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7
5. Behaviour of multiple sound sources . . 3.7
IV. Indoor sound pressure levels and
weighting
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8
2. Absorption factor/absorption surface,
reverberation time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8
2.1 Absorption faxtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8
2.2 Equivalent absorption surface . . . . . 3.8
2.3 Mean reverberation time Tm (s) . . . . 3.8
3. Evaluation/weighed curves. . . . . . . . 3.9
3.1 Relative sound pressure level . . . . . 3.9
3.2 Cumulative sound pressure level . . 3.10
V. Sound power level
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.10
2. Overall sound power level . . . . . . . 3.10
3. Relative sound power level . . . . . . 3.11
4. Sound power level LWA . . . . . . . . . . 3.11
5. Relationship between sound
pressure and sound power level . . 3.11
VI. Sound attenuation by connected AHU
ducting
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12
2. Damping by connected system
components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12
2.1 Straight duct sections . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12
2.2 Duct elbow sections . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12
2.3 Angular deflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13
2.4 Branch fittings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13
2.5 Changes in cross section . . . . . . . . 3.14
2.6 Silencers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.14
2.7 Outlet reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.14
VII. Conversion of sound power into
sound pressure levels (indoors)
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
2. Directional factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
3. Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16
4. Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16
5. Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16
VIII. Calculation examples
1. Ventilation of residential units. . . . . 3.17
2. Axial-flow fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
2.1 Sound pressure level inside
the factory hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
2.2 Outdoor sound pressure level
IX. Fans as sound sources - summary
and addenda
1. General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.21
2. Airborne noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.21
3. Sound emission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.24
4. Structure-borne noise transmission /
vibration insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.25
X. Technical information in TLT
catalogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
 Acoustic fundamentals
Sound pressure p is the root-mean-
square value of pressure increase p+
caused by compression or pressure
decrease p- caused by expansion of
the ambient air, respectively.
2.3 Sound power
3 1. Decibels
Sound power is a theoretical quantity
which cannot be measured. It is cal-
culated and expressed in watts (W).
To illustrate the difference between
sound pressure and sound power, let
us consider the example of a trumpet
player.
What we hear coming out of the in-
strument are sound pressure waves
that trigger the process of hearing via
our eardrums. What we dont hear is
the amount of work done by the play-
er to produce the sound, i.e. the po-
wer input made by blowing into the
mouthpiece. This power is necessary
to generate the sound waves (redu-
ced according to the trumpets effi-
ciency); it is referred to as sound po-
wer or acoustic power.
As we move away from the trumpet
player, his music appears to fade, i.e.
decrease in loudness. In a room with
a strong echo the instrument will
sound differently than in a room de-
corated with heavy drapery and car-
pets. Thus, the sound pressure per-
ceived by our ear is dependent on di-
stance and space. But regardless of
what we hear (i.e. of distance and
space conditions), the trumpet player
must expend the same amount of
energy. In other words, sound power
is not dependent on distance and
space. This is what makes this para-
meter so valuable. As an objective
2
quantity that cannot be influenced, it Lp = 20 x log 1 = 20 x 0 = 0 dB
constitues an excellent starting point
for all acoustic calculations. If the measured sound pressure is
equal to the pain threshold (200
II. Sound pressure level and bar), the ratio is
evaluation 200 bar
= 1.000.000
0,0002 bar
Using this in our equation, we obtain
The human ear perceives sound Lp = 20 x log 1.000.000 = 20 x 6 = 120 dB
pressure waves directly and evalua-
tes them according to their strength 2. Octave band
and pitch. As far as loudness is con-
Most sounds are composed of multi-
cerned, we can perceive sounds
ple tones having different frequen-
down to a sound pressure of about
cies. The effect can be likened to an
0,00002 bar, a level referred to as
orchestra, where many instruments
the threshold pressure of audibility.
and instrument types, from violin to
Moreover, all human hearing takes
bass drum, cooperate to produce one
place in the 20 - 20.000 Hz range. Lo-
aggregate sound.
wer (infrasonic) or higher (ultrasonic)
sounds are inaudible for us. From a For an analysis, it would be neces-
sound pressure of 200 bar upwards, sary to make each instrument play in-
sound waves will produce a sensation dividually.
of pain in an average human listener;
this is referred to as the threshold of
pain. A very broad interval (0.0002 to
200 bar) thus separates the thres-
holds of audibility and pain, and to
make this range more easily manage-
able arithmetically, a method has
been adopted whereby the actually
measured sound pressure is expres-
sed in relation to the threshold pres-
sure of audibility. Thus, it is said that
a given sound has a pressure of, e.g.,
10, 1.000 or 100.000 times the thres-
hold pressure of audibility. To obtain
smaller numbers, the ratio thus obtai-
ned is logarithmized. The value of the
resulting logarithm is referred to as a
the sound power level.
We can thus write the following equa-
tion:
Lp = 20 x log. measured sound pressure in bar
threshold pressure of audibility in bar
The unit in which the logarithmic term
is expressed is decibels (dB).
At this point it appears pertinent to
remember the following:
log 1 = 0
log 10 = 1
log 100 = 2
etc. up to
log 1.000.000 = 6
Thus, if the measured sound pressu-
re is equal to the threshold pressure
of audibility, the ratio becomes 1. Ac-
cording to the equation, we can write:
3 Acoustic fundamentals
Similarly, a sound composed of many
tones, such as that emitted by a fan,
can be analyzed and broken down in-
to its individual frequency constitu-
ents. In practice this is done with the
aid of microphones combined with
suitable upstream filters so as to re-
cord only sound constituents (to-
nes) of a given frequency. These
constituents are then measured.
For this purpose, the frequency range
from 20 - 15,000 Hz has been divided
into 8 bands referred to as octaves.
1. 20 90 Hz
Octave center frequency = 63 Hz
2. 90 179 Hz
Octave center frequency = 125 Hz
3. 176 352 Hz
Octave center frequency = 250 Hz
4. 352 704 Hz
Octave center frequency = 500 Hz
5. 704 1.408 Hz
Octave center frequency = 1000 Hz
6. 1.408 2.816 Hz
Octave center frequency = 2000 Hz
3
7. 2.816 5.600 Hz 4. Phon
Octave center frequency = 4000 Hz
The phon is a unit related to dB. It cor-
8. 5.600 15.000 Hz responds to the sound pressure level
Octave center frequency = 8000 Hz of a 1000 Hz tone in decibels. By
comparing tones of other frequencies
This method of sound measurement with 1.000 Hz tones, it has been
(i.e., analysis) yields the so-called found that different loudnesses (and
sound pressure level. hence, different sound pressures) are
3. One-third octave band necessary at different frequencies to
produce the same perceived loud-
The division of the 20 - 15,000 Hz fre- ness in a human ear.
quency range into 8 octaves is too co-
arse for many purposes. A system
has therefore been adopted whereby
this range is broken down into 24 in-
tervals, i.e. each octave is further di-
vided by three. These intervals are
called one-third octaves. Sound
measurements in a one-third octave
band give a more accurate evaluation
of the acoustic situation.
A still more precise evaluation of the
sound range can be achieved with the
aid of filters having bandwidths of
1/12th or even 1/24th of an octave.
FFT analyzers can isolate band-
widths as narrow as 1 Hz with the aid
of suitable filters.
 Acoustic fundamentals 4

Through extensive tests with large num-

bers of respondents it has been possible
to establish curves of identical loudness.
These reveal that to obtain a loudness
perception identical to 50 dB at 1000 Hz,
the following sound pressures are ne-
3 cessary at the stated frequencies:
63 Hz 73 dB
Identical sound pressure low frequency Identical sound pressure high frequency 125 Hz 66 dB
(high tone) (high tone)
2000 Hz 50 dB
8000 Hz 62 dB

5. A, B, C weighting
Curves obtained by the above pro-
cess have been simplified and pro-
cessed into universally accepted
weighted curves covering three dB
ranges:
up to 60 dB curve A
60 to 100 dB curve B
over 100 dB curve C
dB

120

100

80

60
Sound pressure in dB

40

20

20 50 100 500 1000 Frequency 5000 10 000 Hz

The above diagram shows curves of identical perceived loudness.

Decibel curves are not strictly tied to

their application range, i.e. it is possi-
Bewertungstabelle:
Weighting table Octave center frequency ble to depart from the recommended
Oktavmittenfrequenz range allocation by agreement and to
Weighting according to
Bewertung
curve nach 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 use the same weighted curve for all
sounds between 0 and 120 dB. In
A -26,1 -16,1 -8,6 -3,2 0 +1,2 +1,0 -1,1
fact, it has recently been agreed to
B -9,4 -4,3 -1,4 -0,3 0 -0,2 -0,8 -3,0 use the A-weighted curve for all noise
measurements, i.e. to state the over-
C -0,8 -0,2 0 0 0 -0,2 -0,8 -3,0
all sound pressure level LPa in dB.
5 Acoustic fundamentals

6. Measuring-surface sound pres- Since it is common in acoustics to

sure level
The measuring-surface sound pres-
sure level L is defined as the energe-
tic mean1) of multiple sound level
measurements over the measuring
surface S, corrected to eliminate ex-
ternal noise and room influences (re-
flections) where applicable. LA is the
corresponding A-weighted measu-
ring-surface sound pressure level.
The measuring surface S is an assu-
med area encompassing the sound-
emitting machine at a defined di-
stance (usually 1 m). In construing
this theoretical surface, it is deemed
to be made up of simple surfaces or
work with logarithmic ratio quantities,
the measuring surface area (in m2) is
related to a reference surface, and
the resulting measuring-surface level
LS is adopted as the characteristic pa-
rameter: 3
S
LS = 10 lg S0
in dB
S = Measuring surface in m2
So = 1 m2 (Reference surface)
1) The mean value (determined over several points in space
or time) of several sound levels measured on a given sour-
ce is obtained using the following equation:
1
i=n

elements such as spheres, cylinders L = 10 lg ( n 10 0,1 Li )

or squares generally following the ex-
terior machine contour. Individual
projecting elements which do not con-
tribute in any major way to the emis-
i=1
If the difference between the individual levels is smaller than
6 dB, an approximate arithmetic mean can be obtained as fol-
lows:

sion of sound are not taken into ac- i=n

1
count. Similarly, sound-reflecting en- L
n 10 Li
i=1
closure surfaces such as floors or
walls are not deemed to be part of the
measuring surface. Measuring points
should be sufficient in number and
distributed evenly over the measuring
surface. Their number depends on
the size of the machine and on the
uniformity of the sound field.

Measuring surface S

Measuring points
distributed over the
surface of S
 Acoustic fundamentals
III. Outdoor behaviour of
sound
1. Sound propagation
The acoustic output emanating from
the outlet side of a centrifugal roof-
3 mounted fan can propagate almost
freely except where it is reflected by
nearby building structures. A small
portion of the sound waves will strike
the roof surface and be reflected from
it. Thus, in the absence of nearby
buildings, and disregarding the negli-
gible amount of reflection from the ro-
of, the microphone in our drawing will
record the sound pressure level di-
rectly emitted from the centrifugal ro-
of-mounted fan. Such measurements
can be used to assess the noise ex-
posure of residents in the surrounding
neighbourhoods.
2. Permissible values
In Germany, guide values for permis-
sible sound pressure levels in specific
neighbourhood types are given in the
Technical Instruction for the Protec-
tion from Noise, abbreviated to TA-
Lrm. It stipulates that where no buil-
dings lie within 3 m from the industri-
al sites perimeter, measurements
are to be conducted at a distance of
0.5 m from the open window most
strongly affected by the noise. The
following immission values are defi-
ned:
a) for zones occupied exclusively by
commercial-use and industrial
facilities, as well as residential
units for their proprietors, mana-
gers, supervisors and standby
personnel: LPA = 70 dB
b) for zones occupied predominantly
by commercial-use facilities:
daytime LPA = 65 dB
nighttime LPA = 50 dB
c) for zones occupied by commerci-
al-use facilities and residential
units, without predominance of
either type:
daytime LPA = 60 dB
nighttime LPA = 45 dB
d) for zones occupied predominantly
by residential units:
daytime LPA = 50 dB
nighttime LPA = 35 dB
6
e) for zones occupied exclusively by Distance from
residential units: roof-mounted
daytime LPA = 45 dB fan 4 8 16 32 64 128 m
nighttime LPA = 35 dB
Decrease in
sound pressure
f) for sanatorium/spa areas, hospi- fan 0 5 10 15 20 25 dB
tals and medical care institutions:
daytime LPA = 45 dB Actually, the decrease depends on
nighttime LPA = 35 dB the environment. Assuming a va-
lue of 5 dB will be correct in an
g) for residential units structurally average case; the theoretical value
connected to the facility: is 6 dB.
daytime LPA = 40 dB
nighttime LPA = 30 dB
The nighttime is deemed to last 8
hours, commencing at 10:00 p.m. and
ending at 6:00 a.m. It may be moved
back or forward by one hour where
required by special local circum-
stances or compelling operational
reasons, provided that nearby resi-
dents remain assured of an 8 hours
nightly rest [source: TA-Lrm].
3. Influence of distance
A sound fades - i.e. its sound pressu-
re level diminishes - with increasing
distance from its source. Experience
shows that once a certain distance
from the source is exceeded, doub-
ling the distance will reduce the
sound pressure level by 5 dB. Howe-
ver, this decrease only takes place
beyond the point where the sound
field becomes uniformly and fully de-
veloped (i.e. homogeneous). In the
case of roof-mounted fans, this point
is located about 4 m from the source.
Measurements have confirmed that
the 5 dB law does not apply to mea-
suring points situated closer to the
fan.
7 Acoustic fundamentals

4. Legal immission limits
Maximum immission levels are defi-
ned by legislators for each zone type.
It must be noted in this context that
the legal immission limit represents
the total of all sound pressure levels
incident at the measuring point, i.e.
each facility and each component of
an overall installation is itself allowed
to account only for a fraction of the le-
gal limit.
5. Behaviour of multiple sound
sources
If several sound sources (e.g. roof-moun-
ted fans) of the same loudness are ope-
rating side by side, the overall sound
pressure level will increase as follows:
Thus, where the legal immission limit
is almost exhausted already by
other sound sources, any newly ad-
ded equipment may have to be desi-
gned for sound levels far beyond the
legal maximum.
In this case, rather than imposing ex-
cessive noise protection demands on
the new equipment, it may be prac-
tical to implement carefully chosen
sound control measures on existing
installations.
Moreover, since a noise protection
measure omitted (forgotten) at the
planning stage will usually be extre-
mely costly and difficult to implement
retroactively, it is recommended to
conduct acoustic calculations or, in
the case of major projects, to com- 3
mission an acoustic experts study at
the earliest possible point of the plan-
ning process.

Number of devices 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 15 20 30
Approx. level increase (dB) 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15
With two roof-mounted fans of diffe-
rent loudness operating concurrently,
the higher of their two sound pressure
levels must be marked up as follows:
Difference between higher and
lower level (dB) 0 0,5 1,0 1,5 2,0 2,5 3,0 3,5 4,0 4,5 5,0
Level to be added (dB) 3,0 2,8 2,5 2,3 2,1 1,9 1,8 1,6 1,5 1,3 1,2
Difference between higher and
lower level (dB) 5,5 6,0 6,5 7,0 7,5 8,0 9,0 10,0 11,0 13,0 15,0 20
Level to be added (dB) 1,1 1,0 0,9 0,8 0,7 0,6 0,5 0,4 0,3 0,2 0,1 0
Multiple centrifugal roof-mounting fans in ser-
Example: vice on the same roof.
The noise pressure level at the reference point
is to be determined:
DRH 400/30 6 at 4 m: 60 dB
DRV 500/30 6 at 4 m: 62 dB
DRH 630/25 6 at 4 m: 68 dB

Assuming a 5 dB level decrease with every

doubling of the distance, we obtain:
DRH 400/30 6 at 65 m: 40 dB
DRV 500/30 6 at 64 m: 42 dB
DRH 630/25 6 at 65 m: 48 dB

Addition of the levels:

42 40 = 2 dB
Level increase by 2,1 dB
DRH 400/30 6 and
DRV 500/30 6
together: 44,1
48 44,1 = 3,9
Level increase by 1,5 dB
DRH 400/30 6 and
DRV 500/30 6 and
DRH 630/25 6
together: 48 + 1,5 = 49,5
The sound pressure level LPA at reference
point 1 is approx. 50 dB.

Noise pressure levels taken from the catalogue

Roof-Units Centrifugal, TLT-Turbo GmbH,
Bad Hersfeld
 Acoustic fundamentals
IV. Indoor sound pressure
level and weighting
1. General
While sound can normally propagate
3 freely in outdoor environments, the in-
door situation is quite different. Sound
pressure waves emitted by a source
into the room will strike the walls whe-
re they are in part absorbed (swallo-
wed up) and in part reflected (thrown
back).
A person exposed to a sound source
in a room will thus perceive both di-
rectly transmitted sound pressure wa-
ves and waves reflected from the
walls.
Absorption A m2 sabin
Room volume V m3
It follows that sounds heard by the hu-
man ear in a room are subject to nu-
merous influences. Apart from the lo-
cation of the source in the room and
the listeners position relative to it, the
size of the room and the acoustic pro-
perties of the walls (i.e. their ability to
absorb and reflect sound waves) play
important roles.
A sound pressure value stated for an
indoor location, e.g. in dB, will there-
fore be of little value unless it is ac-
companied by a detailed acoustical
description of the room in question.
Even where a sound pressure value
is given in conjunction with an acou-
stical description (plus a description
of the measuring point), it will only ap-
8
ply to this room and that specific
point. It cannot be applied by extensi-
on to any other room having different
acoustic properties.
2. Absorption factor/absorption
surface/reverberation time
The acoustical properties of a room
are described in terms of three para-
meters:
2.1 Absorption factor
The surface of a wall fully absorbing
all impinging sound waves would ha-
ve an absorption factor = 1. Since
no existing wall can absorb all inco-
ming sound, absorption capability is
expressed in relation to that of a theo-
retical wall having an ideal absorption
behaviour. In pratice, rates bet-
ween 0.02 and 0.4 are attained. Spe-
cific values are compiled in collec-
tions of tables. Some average ab-
sorption rates are given below.
Room m
Normal factory hall 0,02 0,07
Kitchen 0,03 0,08
Restaurant 0,05 0,1
Schools 0,07 0,1
Assembly halls 0,08 0,12
Offices 0,12 0,15
Studios 0,3 0,4
2.2 Equivalent absorption surface
The interior surface of a room is as-
sumed to consist of completely reflec-
tive and completely absorptive surfa-
ces. The portion of completely ab-
sorptive surfaces is referred to as the
equivalent absorption surface A, ex-
pressed in m2 sabin. It is calculated
using the equation A = m x Fi (m2 sa-
bin), where Fi is the interior room sur-
face area expressed in m2. If the vo-
lume of the room is known, we can
use the diagram plus the m value
from the above list to determine the
absorption surface.
2.3 Mean reverberation time Tm (s).
This parameter is defined as the time
interval during which the reverberati-
9 Acoustic fundamentals

on of a sound diminishes by 60 dB.

Acoustically hard rooms with highly 1000
reflective walls (concrete, glass) have 500
a longer reverberation time than their
acoustically soft counterparts (e.g.

Absorption A m2 sabin

rooms furnished with drapes, sound-
absorbing walls). Wallace Sabine 3
found a relation between the equiva- 100
lent absorption surface A and the re-
50
verberation time T.
It can be expressed thus:
A = 0,164 x V/Tm (m2 sabin)
mit V = Volume of the room in m3. 10
Since the reverberation time can be 5
measured, Sabines formula enables 25 50 100 250 500 1000 2500 5000
us to calculate the equivalent absorp-
tion surface directly. Room volume V m3

3. Evaluation/weighted curves
3.1 Relative sound pressure level NC curves
80
To establish an evaluation basis for
sound and noise, scientists have defi- 70
ned various final loudness levels. It is
stipulated that the actual (relative)
Sound pressure level dB

60
sound pressure level in a room, de-
termined at a given measuring point,
shall not be higher in any frequency 50
range than the agreed weighting cur-
ve.
40
Different weighted curves exist, e.g.
NC curve 30
DIN phon curve
ISO curve 20
15
All of these curves are numerically di- 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
mensioned; the higher the number,
the louder the sound is allowed to be. Octave center frequency Hz

Curves are shown in graphic form on

the right of this page. DIN phon curves
70
Sound pressure level dB

60

50

40

30

20
15
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000

Octave center frequency Hz

 Acoustic fundamentals 10

3.2 Cumulative sound pressure

ISO N curves
level
80

Naturally, the relative sound pressure 70

level in a room can be evaluated, e.g.
according to curve A (refer to section

Sound pressure level dB

3 II). By logarithmic addition, we obtain 60
the cumulative sound pressure level
in dB(A) as outlined above. 50

40

30

20
15
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000

Octave center frequency Hz

DIN phon curves

80

70
Sound pressure level dB

60

50

40

30

Example: Relative sound pressure le- 20

vel measured in a real-life application, 15
superimposed over the diagram of 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
ISO N-curves. Octave center frequency Hz

V. Sound power level
1. General
As we have seen from the discussion
of sound pressure waves in a room,
reflection and absorption effects pre-
sent a complicated picture. Managing
these acoustic phenomena involves
complicated calculations. The com-
plexity, if not impossibility, of such
calculations for a fan connected to an
intake-side duct can easily be imagi-
ned. Such analyses can therefore not
be conducted on the basis of the so-
und pressure level. An independent
quantity is needed which is not influ-
enced by position, the room, reflec-
tions and distances. We possess this unit can thus denote both sound
such a parameter in the form of sound pressure and sound power.
power, expressed in watts (W).
The overall cumulated sound power
2. Overall sound power level emitted by a source, compared with a
defined threshold and logarithmized
As with the sound pressure, a lower li- as above, is referred to as the overall
mit (N0=10-12 watts) of sound power sound power level. This variable re-
has been defined as a reference to presents our objective starting point
which all actual sound power data are for all further calculations.
related. The resulting ratio is again lo-
garithmized, as in the case of the
sound pressure, according to the
equation LW = 10 x log N/N0 (dB).
The result is again expressed in deci-
bels. It should be borne in mind that
11 Acoustic fundamentals

3. Relative sound power level Assuming that both and c are con-
stant, we obtain the following propor-
Since, as we shall see, all calculati- tionality law:
ons must be performed as a function
of frequency, it is necessary to know W ~ p2 S
which sound constituents make up
the overall sound power level. The re- Expressed in level terms, this yields
sult of this analysis is called the fre- an equation which plays an important 3
quency response of the overall sound role in all practical calculations:
S
power level, or relative sound power LW
L + 10 lg S0
= L + LS in dB
level.
or rather,
By way of example, let us consider S
the fan DRV 400/30-4 listed on page LWA
LA + 10 lg S0
= LA + LS in dB
49 of TLT Turbo GmbHs catalogue of In other words, sound power level LW
centrifugal roof units. Its overall so- can be approximated as the sum of
und power level LWtot is specified as measuring surface sound pressure
95 dB (above roof level). level L and measuring surface level
We can thus derive the following rela- LS.
tive sound power levels LWrel at the From this relationship it can be con-
frequencies stated: cluded that for a given sound power
63 Hz:95 dB 11,9 dB = 83,1 dB level, assuming spherical or hemis-
125 Hz:95 dB 4,9 dB = 90,1 dB pherical sound propagation into free
250 Hz:95 dB 7,3 dB = 87,7 dB space (ideal sound propagation), the
500 Hz:95 dB 8,2 dB = 86,8 dB sound pressure level decreases by 6
1000 Hz:95 dB 9,2 dB = 85,8 dB dB when the distance from the source
2000 Hz:95 dB 13,9 dB = 81,1 dB is doubled.
4000 Hz:95 dB 12,6 dB = 82,4 dB This value may increase due to sound
8000 Hz:95 dB 11,8 dB = 83,2 dB absorption by the air or floor, or dimi-
4. Weighted sound power level LWA nish due to reflection from obstacles.
Moreover, the decrease in sound
By carrying out the evaluation explai- pressure level may be amplified or at-
ned for the sound pressure level, tenuated by weather influences.
using the A-weighted curve, we ob-
tain the weighted sound power level
LWA from the sound power level LW.
5. Relationship between sound
pressure and sound power levels
Unlike sound pressure p, sound po-
wer W is not measured directly but
calculated from sound pressure p,
particle velocity n (alternating velocity
of the molecules of the medium), and
measuring surface S.
W=pS
p
where = q c

with = air density
c = sound velocity in air
becomes:
p2
W= S
qc
 Acoustic fundamentals 12

VI. Sound attenuation by

connected AHU ducting
1. General
A duct system connected to a fan will
diminish its acoustic output, but the
3 sound-attenuating effects of the indi-
vidual system components vary wide-
ly. For calculation purposes, one
starts by determining the relative
sound power level of the fan, then de-
ducts the level difference resulting
from attenuation by system compo-
nent, taking into account the individu-
al frequencies.
2. Damping by connected system
components
2.1 Straight duct sections
Sheetmetal ducts have a minimal
damping influence. For improved at-
Level difference [dB/m]

tenuation it would be necessary to li-

ne the duct with insulating material
(e.g., rock wool matting) on its air-
carrying side. For straightforward
sheetmetal ducts without insulating
lining, the damping effect per meter of
ducting can be summarized thus:
Octave center frequency [Hz]

2.2 Duct elbow section

A duct elbow affording favourable 2
flow conditions has a slight attenua-
ting effect on high frequencies, but
low frequencies (long waves) are
transmitted virtually unchanged.
Level difference [dB/m]

d=1,0m d=0,5m d=0,25m d=0,1m

0
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
Octave center frequency [Hz]
13 Acoustic fundamentals

2.3 Angular deflector

An angular deflector providing unfa-
vourable flow conditions has a more
pronounced sound-damping effect,
although again, mainly high frequen-
cies are reduced.
3

Level difference [dB/m]

Octave center frequency [Hz]

2.4 Branch fittings

In a Y-fitting, sound energy is split in
the ratio of the outgoing duct cross
sections.
Level difference [dB/m]

Ratio of cross-sections
 Acoustic fundamentals 14

2.5 Changes in cross-section

Here again, a frequency-independent
attenuation occurs. Level difference
is determined by the ratio of surface
areas.
3

Level difference [dB|m]

2.6 Silencers
Silencers are designed to achieve
maximum sound damping. Specific
configurations can be adopted to pro-
vide different damping characteri-
stics. Technical specifications are
Ratio of cross-sections F1 F2
stated in the manufacturers catalo-
gues.
By way of example, let us consider Frequency in Hz 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
the damping behaviour of a silencer
with a mounting length of 500 mm: Attenuation in dB 6 8 11 23 32 34 26 16

2.7 Outlet reflection

As the sound is emitted into the room,
a portion of the sound waves is re-
flected back into the duct. This dam-
ping effect is referred to as outlet re-
flection. It affects mainly low frequen-
cies and depends on the unobstruc-
ted outlet or inlet surface area, res-
pectively. Level differences associa-
ted with outlet reflection are summari-
zed in the diagram across:
Level difference [dB/m]

Duct

Room

Frequency  Surface [Hz m]

These values apply to free outlet con-

ditions only. Any built-in grids, screens Frequency in Hz 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
or dampers will add to the attenuating
Attenuation in dB 33 19 17 14 14 12 11 10
effect. Many outlet manufacturers
specify the sound-damping effect of
their outlets with the outlet reflection
included. Consider this example for a For space reasons, only a small sel- information the reader is referred to
control valve of the type used in resi- ection of system components can be the specialized literature.
dential building applications: considered here. For more detailed
15 Acoustic fundamentals

VII. Conversion of sound

power into sound
pressure levels (indoors)
1. General
In the foregoing section we have seen
how the sound power level emitted in-
3
to the room can be determined by de-
ducting level differences due to
connected system components, in-
cluding outlet reflection, from the ori-
ginal sound power level. However,
since the human ear can only percei-
ve sound pressures, not sound po-
wer, the resulting sound power level
must be arithmetically converted into
a sound pressure level. As discussed
in section IV, room influences come
into the game here, viz.
Equivalent absorption surface area A,
which determines the acoustic softn-
ess or hardness of the room distance
r from the air inlet or outlet, respec-
tively, to the agreed reference point,
and the orientation of the air inlet or
outlet, respectively, to that reference
point (expressed via the directional
Directional factor

factor Q).
2. Directional factor
The directional factor Q is an indicator
of the orientation of the duct outlet re-
lative to the reference point and vice
versa. Four outlet positions have be-
en defined:
center of the room (1)
center of wall (2)
edge of room (3)
corner of room (4)
Frequency  sound outlet surface area
The outlet orientation relative to the
reference point P is commonly desig-
nated by the emission angle = 0 or
45.
The directional factor is determined
from the diagram shown across,
which has as its horizontal dimension
the product of frequency and square
root of the outlet surface area (in m2).
 Acoustic fundamentals 16

Equivalent absorption surface A

Sound level difference Lw-Lp [dB]

[m2 sabin]
(free field)

Directional factor Q
Distance from sound outlet surface [m]

3. Conversion dividual frequency constituents (refer

When the factors discussed above
are known, the conversion of sound
power levels into sound pressure le-
vels can be carried out by the follo-
wing formula:
to section III, part 4), and state that
the cumulative level is equal to a gi-
ven number of dB according to the A,
B or C weighting.
5. Example

Q 4 1 Directional factor: Q = 4
LW Lp = 10 x log (4 r 2
+ A ) Distance from sound outlet surface:
r=2m
This fairly complex equation is solved Equivalent absorption surface:
graphically in the above diagram. A = 20 m2 sabin

4. Evaluation Result:
Sound level difference
LW = 5 dB
By deducting the level difference from
the outlet sound pressure level, we
obtain the relative sound pressure le-
vel.
This relative sound pressure level can
now be evaluated in a variety of ways.
On the one hand, we can compare it
to the various weighted curves (refer
to section IV) and determine that the
sound pressure level in the room cor-
responds to a specific DIN, NC or ISO
curve. On the other, we can evaluate
this level against curve A, B or C, per-
form the logarithmic addition of the in-
17 Acoustic fundamentals

VIII. Calculation examples Centrifugal roof-mounting fan

1. Ventilation of residential units Typ DRV 250/28-4 E

The aim is to determine the noise ex-

posure caused by a DRV type centri-
fugal roof-mounted fan in a combined Silencer
kitchen and living room on the top flo- 3
or of a high-rise building.
The installation situation is outlined in
the sketch across.
Calculation:
The overall sound power level at
1350 rpm is 84 dB. Since the free-in-
let volume flow of 2100 m3/h decrea-
ses to 1050 m3/h as a result of the re-
sistances to be overcome, the actual
sound power level at point is
84 dB 7 dB = 77 dB.

The relative sound power level at

point amounts to the following va-
lues, at the frequencies stated: Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
Lwtot 77 dB

L -2 -5,7 -11,1 -18,9 -24,3 -26,9 -26,2 -39,7 dB

Lwrel 1 75 71,3 65,9 58,1 52,7 50,1 50,8 37,3 dB

The damping effect of the silencer shown can be quantified as follows (refer
to section VI, part 2.6):

Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LS 6 8 11 23 32 34 26 16 dB

Lwrel 1
LS =
Lwrel 2 69 63,3 54,9 35,1 20,7 16,1 24,8 21,3 dB

The duct cross-section changes between silencer inlet and main shaft ou-
tlet . The resulting attenuation depends on the ratio of the cross-sectional
areas. Since the main duct measures 200 x 200 mm, its cross-sectional area
is 40.000 mm2.

The cross-sectional area of the silencer is 400 x 350 = 140,000 mm2, giving a
ratio of 0.286. According to section IV, part 2.5., the resulting level difference
(not frequency-related) is 2 dB. LWrel at thus assumes the following values
at the frequencies stated:

Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LQ 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 dB

Lwrel 2
LQ
Lwrel 3 67 61,3 52,9 33,1 18,7 14,1 22,8 19,3 dB
 Acoustic fundamentals 18

Attenuation also occurs in the sheetmetal ducting of the main shaft (refer to
VI, 2.1).
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LK 0,6 0,6 0,45 0,3 0,2 0,2 0,2 0,2 dB/m

LK =
3 2,5 m
L 1,5
K 1,5 ~1,1 ~0,8 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 dB
Lwrel 3
LK =
Lwrel 4 65,5 59,8 51,8 32,3 18,2 13,6 22,3 18,8 dB
Sound damping takes place in the elbow between main shaft and the secon-
dary shaft as follows (refer to VI, 2.2):
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LB 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 3 dB
Lwrel 4
LB
= Lwrel 5 65,5 59,8 51,8 32,3 17,2 11,6 19,3 15,8 dB
Further damping occurs in the sheet metal ducting of the secondary shaft (re-
fer to VI, 2.1):
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LK 0,6 0,6 0,45 0,3 0,3 0,3 0,3 0,3 dB/m

LK =
2,5 m
LK 1,5 1,5 ~1,1 ~0,8 ~0,8 ~0,8 ~0,8 ~0,8 dB
Lwrel 5
LK
= Lwrel 6 64,0 58,3 50,7 31,5 16,4 10,8 18,5 15 dB
At the damper valve , sound waves are attenuated by the damper valve its-
elf and by outlet reflection (refer to VI, 2.7):
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LV 33 19 17 14 14 12 11 10 dB
Lwrel 6
LV
= Lwrel 7 31,0 39,3 33,7 17,5 2,4 0 7,5 5 dB
LWrel 7 at is the relative sound power level emitted into the room. This shall
now be converted into the relevant sound pressure level at the reference
point. For this first the directional factor Q has to be determined. The emissi-
on angle = 0since the control damper valve is located in the middle of the
wall (bottom diagram in VII, 2, curve 2). Sound outlet surface area is 0.01 m2,
square root of0,01 m2 = 0.01 m2 = 0.1 m.
According to the diagram, this gives the following values at the frequencies
stated:
Freq. = 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
f x F = 6,3 12,5 25 50 100 200 400 800 Hz x m
Logarithmic addition of the levels (re-
Q 1,8 2 2,4 3,2 4,8 6 7 7,8
fer to III, 5) yields the following
From the diagram in VII, 3 the level difference can be determined, using the
equivalent absorption surface A = 10 m2 sabin and the distance r = 1 m. Re-
sults for the individual frequencies are as follows: 1,9 20,2 22,6 12,3 0,9 0 7,5 2,9

Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LW Lp = 3 3 2,5 2,0 1,5 1,5 1 1 dB 20,2 23 0,9 8,8

Lprel 28,0 36,3 31,2 15,5 0,9 0 6,5 4 dB

We have thus determined the sound pressure level, which can be evaluated in
a number of ways. Let us first compare it with the weighted curves from IV, 3. 24,8 9,4

ISO curve:
The actual sound pressure level remains below ISO N-25.
NC curve: 24,9
The actual sound pressure level remains below NC 20 at all frequencies. dB
19 Acoustic fundamentals

DIN curve:
The actual sound pressure level remains below DIN 35 at all frequencies.
Apart from this comparison with acceptable frequency responses, it is possible to add the levels, e.g. according to
curve A:
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
A weighted.:-26,1 -16,1 -8,6 -3,2 0 +1,2 +1 -1,1 dB 3
Lprel A: 1,9 20,2 22,6 12,3 0,9 0 7,5 2,9 dB

2. Axial flow fan

The exhaust air from a factory hall is
extracted by an axial flow fan via
connected exhaust ducts.
Schematic view (side view) of the
40 Screen 0,2 x 0,9 m
building.
8m

A Axial-flow impeller
B Flexible duct connector
C Exhaust air duct 60 m
D Flexible duct connector Building depth 24 m, absorption surface A = 200 m2 sabin

Axial fan detailed view

1000

B A D

Selected axial flow fan Rotational speed: 950 rpm Total pressure increase: 500 Pa
(TLT Turbo GmbH catalogue Axial Blade angle: 20 Overall sound power level: 99 dB
Flow Fans) Volume flow: 40 000 m3/h To be determined: sound pressure
AXN 12/56/1000 MD Motor rating: 7,5 KW level in the room and at outlet point

2.1 Sound pressure level inside Relative sound power level emitted into the silencer:
the factory hall
Frequency 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz

LWtot 99 dB

Lwrel -8,7 -6,4 -5,1 -8,2 -12,7 -15 -16,8 -19,8 dB

Lwrel
A 90,3 92,6 93,9 90,8 86,3 84 82,2 79,2 dB
 Acoustic fundamentals 20

Attenuation in the silencer and influence of airflow noise:1)

L silencer -4 -6 -11 -20 -30 -24 -15 -10 dB
Lwrel
B 86,3 86,6 82,9 70,8 56,3 60 67,2 69,2 dB
Airflow
noise 67 58 55 60 64 56 49 40 dB
3
Sum of levels 86,3 86,6 82,9 71,1 64,6 61,5 67,2 69,2 dB
The sound attenuation caused by the sheetmetal ducting is neglected here.

Attenuation due to flow splitting and outlet: (refer to page 15/16)

LW split -16 -16 -16 -16 -16 -16 -16 -16 dB

LW outl. -13 -8 -4 -1 0 0 0 0 dB

LWrel
C 57,3 62,2 62,9 54,1 48,6 45,5 51,2 53,2 dB
These findings are now to be converted into the sound pressure level prevai-
ling in the middle of the room, height: 2 m, 45, S = 200 m2. For simplification,
the 40 outlets are combined into four groups of 10 each. Distances are 10
and 23 m, A-weighing is used.
Directional factor 2 2,2 2,6 3 3,6 4 4 4
Addition
of 10 +10 +10 +10 +10 +10 +10 +10 +10 dB
A-
weighting -26,1 -16 -8,6 -3,2 0 +1,2 +1,0 -1,1 dB
LW Lp 10 m -17 -17 -17 -17 -16 -16 -16 -16 dB
LW Lp 23 m -17 -17 -17 -17 -17 -17 -17 -17 dB
Lprel A 10 m 24,4 39,5 47,3 43,9 42,6 40,7 46,2 46,1 dB
Lprel A 23 m 24,2 39,5 47,3 43,9 41,6 39,7 45,2 45,1 dB
Addition of the 4 sources:
30,2 45,5 53,3 49,9 48,1 46,2 51,7 51,6 dB
Calculation of the cumulative level LpA 58,1 dB ~ 58 dB
1) from TLT catalogue

2.2 Outdoor sound pressure level

Distance 4 m, 0
Sound power level at point
D as previously calculated for point :
C

Lwrel
D 86,3 86,6 82,9 71,1 64,6 61,5 67,2 69,2 dB
Outlet attenuation, A-weighting and conversion into sound pressure level:

L outl. -7 -3 -1 0 0 0 0 0 dB

LA -26,1 -16,1 -8,6 -3,2 0 +1,2 +1 -1,1 dB
LW Lp -20 -17 -16 -16 -15 -15 -15 -15 dB
Lprel A 33,2 50,5 57,3 51,9 49,6 47,7 53,3 53,1 dB
Calculation of the cumulative level LpA: 61.3 dB ~ 61 dB.
21 Acoustic fundamentals

IX. Fans as sound sources -

summary and addenda
1. General
A fan generates noise as a result of
aerodynamic influences (turbulent
and vortex noise, blade-passing noi- 3
se) and mechanical factors (blade,
bearing and motor vibrations).
Such noise can propagate in the fol-
lowing manners:
a) as airborne noise emitted directly
from the fan inlet opening into the
installation room
b) as airborne noise transmitted to
the inlet/outlet points via connec-
ted ducting
c) as structure-borne/airborne noise
transmitted into the surrounding
rooms via the fan casing wall or
connected ducting, respectively
d) as structure-borne noise transmit-
ted into the surrounding room
structure via ducting and founda-
tion anchoring

2. Airborne noise
Noise emissions of fans, including air-
borne noise, are assessed and calcu-
lated in terms of sound power levels.
Fan manufacturers state this data in
the following forms:
a) overall sound power level LW in dB
(decibels)
b) A-weighted overall sound power
level LWA in dB
c) relative sound power level LWrel in
dB.
Upon completion of the acoustical
calculations these values must usual-
ly be converted into sound pressure
levels, viz.
a) the relative sound pressure level
LPrel in dB compared with the per-
mitted limit curves (NC, ISO-N,
etc.)
b) the A-weighted (cumulative) sound tave-band analysis being provided for
pressure level LPA in dB LWrel (see example).
zn
c) the relative sound pressure level fD = 60
in s -1 or Hz, respectively
LpArel in dB.
where z = number of impeller blades
taking account room influences (ab- n = rotational speed of the fan
sorption, direction, distance) in rpm.
Airborne sound waves propagate
equally from the fan in the inlet and
outlet directions via the connected
ducting. If the fan draws air freely
from the room, the noise situation in
the room itself may become critical.
Baseline parameter for the calculati-
on of sound-attenuating measures is
the overall sound power level LW of
the fan, which is usually stated for the
operating point in the diagram of cha-
racteristic curves.
Variables LWA and LWrel are usually ex-
pressed as a function of the main in-
terference frequency fD (frequency of
rotation) and the fan size, with an oc-
 Acoustic fundamentals 22

Example (from Centrifugal Fans Portion

Fan*
Bau- Anteil Portion
Anteil2.2
2.2atbei
anOktavmittelfrequenz
octave center frequency
Hz of [Hz]*
catalogue), manufacturer: TLT- size fD = z n Hz *
gren 60 2.1
Turbo GmbH 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Sound power level emitted from 500 5,1 19,6 16,1 13,2 5,5 10,3 14,2 18,2 22,2
250 8,2 19,7 16,1 7,3 10,6 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
the fan opening 315 125 11,5 19,8 10,2 12,4 13,7 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
63 14,6 13,9 15,3 15,4 16,8 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
3 To determine the noise level at the in- 500
250
4,7
7,8
18,0
18,1
14,6
14,7
12,1
6,2
4,9
10,0
10,2
13,3
14,2
17,3
18,2
21,3
22,2
25,3
stallation site of a centrifugal fan, it 400 125 11,1 18,2 8,8 11,3 13,1 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
will usually be necessary to know the 63 14,2 12,4 13,8 14,4 16,2 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5

sound power level at its inlet or outlet 500 4,5 16,6 13,3 11,3 4,5 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
250 7,5 16,7 13,4 5,4 9,6 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
opening. The data given in the follo- 500 125 10,8 16,8 7,5 10,5 12,7 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
63 13,9 10,9 12,6 13,5 15,8 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
wing tables assume Case 1 outlet ab-
500 4,4 15,0 12,2 10,5 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
sorption conditions according to VDI 250 7,2 15,1 12,3 4,6 9,4 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
2081 (refer also to page 14). 630 125 10,5 15,2 6,4 9,7 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
63 13,7 9,4 11,4 12,8 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
Levels are determined as follows: 500 4,3 13,6 11,1 9,9 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
250 7,1 13,7 11,2 4,0 9,3 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
800 125 10,3 13,8 5,8 9,1 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
LW Vent dB = fans overall sound 63 13,5 7,9 10,4 12,2 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
power level, taken 500 4,3 12,3 10,3 9,5 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
from characteristic 250 6,9 12,4 10,4 3,6 9,3 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
1000 125 10,2 12,5 4,5 8,7 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
curve diagrams 63 13,4 6,7 9,5 11,8 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
500 4,3 11,2 9,5 9,2 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
LWA open dB = fans A-weighted 1250
250 6,9 11,39,6 3,3 9,3 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
125 10,1 11,43,7 8,5 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
sound power level 63 13,2 5,6 8,8 11,5 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
fan, emitted from its 500 4,3 10,1 8,9 9,2 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
opening into the 250 6,8 10,2 9,0 3,3 9,3 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
1600 125 10,0 10,3 3,1 8,4 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
room according to 63 13,2 4,5 8,2 11,5 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5
the equation
* Values for intermediate fan sizes must be obtained by interpolation.
LWA open = LW Vent portion 2.1 dB
wherein the value of
portion 2.1 is taken
from the table
across.
LWrel open dB = relative sound power
level of the fan, emit-
ted from its opening
into the room accor-
ding to the equation
Calculation example
LW rel open = LW Vent portion 2.2 dB
Centrifugal fan, size 800
wherein the value of
V = 10 m3/s,
pt = 1750 Pa,
portion 2.2 is taken
n = 1400 rpm, z = 8
from the table
across. From the diagram of characteristic curves: LW = 108 dB
zn 8 1400
In the case of double inlet fans, the fD = 60
= 60
= 187 Hz
overall sound power level thus deter-
mined must be increased by 3 dB. LWA open = LW portion 2.1 = 108 9,5 = 98,5 dB
Lwrel open = LW portion 2.2:
Frequency:
63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
LW: 108 dB

Lwrel: 13,7 8,5 6,5 10,8 14,8 18,8 22,8 26,8 dB
(portion 2.2)
Lwrel: 94,3 95,5 101,5 97,2 93,2 89,2 85,2 81,2 dB
23 Acoustic fundamentals

The standard method of reducing

sound emissions from the fan ope-
ning is to mount an inlet silencer.
In ventilation and air conditioning, the
propagation of airborne noise to inlet
and outlet points via connected duc-
ting is usually the critical parameter. 3
The outlet noise situation can be cal-
culated by analogy with the above ex-
ample.

In-duct sound power levels

Portion
Anteil Portion
Anteil1.2
1.2atbei
an Oktavmittelfrequenz
octave center frequencyHz
of [Hz]
fD = z n Hz
Sound power level emitted into the 60 1.1
ducting by a centrifugal fan is a key 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
starting parameter for calculating le- 500 4,3 7,2 8,2 9,2 4,2 10,2 14,2 18,2 22,2
vels in connected ductwork or silen- 250 6,8 7,3 8,3 3,3 9,3 13,3 17,3 21,3 25,3
125 9,9 7,4 2,4 8,4 12,4 16,4 20,4 24,4 28,4
cers. 63 13,0 1,6 7,5 11,5 15,5 19,5 23,5 27,5 31,5

Levels are determined as follows:

LW Vent dB =
overall sound power level of the fan,
taken from characteristic curve
diagrams
LWA Vent dB =
A-weighted sound power level deter-
mined according to the equation
LWA Vent = LW Vent portion 1.1 dB
wherein the value of portion 1.1 is ta-
ken from the table across.
Calculation example
LW rel Vent dB =
Centrifugal fan, size 800
relative sound power level determi-
ned according to the equation V = 10 m3/s,
pt = 1750 Pa,
n = 1400 rpm, z = 8
LW rel Vent = LW Vent portion 1.2 dB
LW = 108 dB
wherein the value of portion 1.2 is ta-
ken from the table across. LWA open = LW portion 1.1 = 108 8,3 = 99,7 dB
LWrel = LW portion 1.2
Frequency: 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Hz
LW : 108 dB

LWrel: 7,3 5,4 5,8 10,8 14,8 18,8 22,8 26,8 dB
(Portion 1.2)
LWrel : 100,7 102,6 102,2 97,2 93,2 89,2 85,2 81,2 dB
 Acoustic fundamentals 24

The standard method of reducing

sound emissions from the fan into
connected ducting is to mount an in-
duct silencer.

3. Sound emission
In many cases, the noise emitted by
the fan casing wall or connected duc-
ting is the critical factor. The basic pa-
rameter for calculating effective at-
tenuation countermeasures is the
sound power behind the emitting wall.
The wall itself has a damping effect
which essentially depends on its
thickness. Apart from the sound po-
wer level, the amount of sound ener-
gy emitted into a room in this manner
is a function of the wall surface area.
The standard method of reducing
sound emissions from fan casing or
duct walls consists in insulation or in
the installation of a high-gravity ma-
terial.
Whereas sound emission from the
fan opening and acoustic output into
the ducting can be taken from the re-
spective catalogues, sound emission
from the fan casing must be obtained
from the manufacturer (TLT Turbo
GmbH, Bad Hersfeld). Special soft-
ware is available for determining this
parameter in each individual case.
25 Acoustic fundamentals

4. Structure-borne noise transmis-

sion/vibration insulation
Sound waves transmitted through ri-
gid connecting elements are referred
to as structure-borne noise. In fact,
this phenomenon involves the propa-
gation of vibrations. In the case of 3
fans, this occurs via two transmission
routes. Firstly, vibrations spread from
the fan to the ducting via the fan inlet
and outlet connections. Elastic duct
connectors can prevent this effect. It
should be noted, however, that basic
elastic duct connectors will permit an
almost unobstructed passage of noi-
se into the room. This can be reme-
died by using appropriate insulation,
or by arranging the elastic connector
downstream of a silencer. Secondly,
fan vibrations are transmitted to the
foundations from where they are con-
ducted to other parts of the building brations. In other words, they minimi- tion mounts are usually employed. At
structure. Here the preferred remedy ze the transmission of fan vibrations speeds above 1000 rpm, rubber
is to erect the fan on anti-vibration caused by residual imbalances and mounts are preferred. Cork slabs are
mounts. The latter serve two purpo- bearing vibration while counteracting used for fans exceeding 3000 rpm
ses, viz. to prevent the transmission structure-borne noise at the same ti- and very heavy units.
of structure-borne noise and to provi- me. For fans operating at speeds be-
de insulation against mechanical vi- low 1000 rpm, spring-type anti-vibra-

In dimensioning and installing anti-vi- recommended The expression no = ne /

bration mounts, care must be taken to range
ensure an even load distribution, level with
insulating efficiency in %

ground, and a high insulating efficiency.

no = natural frequency of anti-vibra-
Insulating efficiency is a measure in- tion mount (in Hz)
dicating the percentage of interferen-
ne = fan speed in rpm
ce forces actually absorbed by the ne
mounts. The ratio between fan rpm = no
and the natural frequency of the anti-
vibration mounts should be greater can be used to calculate the neces-
than 2.5; this will give an insulating ef- sary natural frequency of anti-vibra-
ficiency in excess of 80%. tion mount. Suitable mounts can then
be selected from the manufacturers
catalogues using this frequency and
the load per mount (overall weight of
the fan unit, including frame and mo-
tor, divided by the number of anti-vi-
bration mounts).
 Acoustic fundamentals
X. Technical information in
TLT product catalogues
Starting point for all calculations is the
overall sound power level LW in deci-
bels (dB), which is stated in the cha-
3 racteristic curves for all fans in TLT
catalogues.
Furthermore, the catalogues indicate
the A-weighted and relative sound
power levels LWA and LWrel, respec-
tively, emitted from the fan opening or
into the ducting as the case may be.
Specimen
roof-mounting Measuring Antidrum
centrifugal fan compound
duct
Friedrichs probe
Sound measuring duct
DRV type centrifugal roof-moun-
ting fan with inlet-side measuring
airway
Our test rig for roof-mounting centrifu-
gal fans conforms to DIN 24 163 for
Chamber test-rig with specimen
26
Where sound pressure levels are in- All values are stored in TLTs Aku-
dicated, these are defined in detail stik software program.
due to their dependence on distance,
direction and room characteristics. The accuracy of TLTs acoustic data
is vouchsafed by tests and measure-
Sound data given in TLT fan catalo- ments spanning more than 30 years
gues reflect the results of hundreds of of fan development.
measurement series. A large number
of values is derived from in-duct tests,
supported and supplemented by in-
numerable measurements by the en-
veloping surface or free-field method.
Case studies on actually implemen-
ted systems were likewise taken into
account.
Low-reflection air duct
connection per Insulation
DIN 45635, Part 9
Airtight
door Nozzles
Damping chamber,
calibrated
volume and pressure measurements pressure (ps) and dynamic pressure
and DIN 45 635, Part 9 (draft) for (pd) in the inlet duct.
sound measurements.
Pressure increase (pt 1) is calculated
from the difference between static
View of the chamber-type test rig