Noise Pollution

Another problem that wind turbines create is sound pollution. This sound pollution comes from the generator and the gearbox which produces mechanical noises but most importantly it comes from the 35-m-long rotor blades each time it passes through the air. These blades would create a deep subsonic noise and cause sound pollution. But now, from technological advancement, we have turbine that produces a lot less sound pollution compared to conventional turbines. These improvements have eliminated most of the mechanical noise and have decreased the aerodynamic noise that the rotor produces from improved rotor designs. We can now have a conversation right under these huge turbines without the need to shout or raising our voice. Furthermore, turbine noises are insignificant as wind increases because of other background sound. This table compares the pressure level of turbines noise to other daily urban activities.

Sound Pressure of Urban Activities

From this table, we can see that the wind farm would create less noise pollution than a truck, a car, a busy general office, a pneumatic drill and jet aircraft.