This webinar is presented by Vivek Choudhary from Vibro-Acoustics and emphasizes the significance of noise control in HVAC systems across various building types. While noise control is commonly associated with spaces like performing arts venues, libraries, and churches, Vivek stresses that it is equally crucial for many other facilities, including healthcare, educational institutions, residential buildings, data centers, and laboratories.
Vivek begins by explaining how Vibro-Acoustics and LONG Building Technologies approach noise control. They examine mechanical drawings to identify equipment locations, including large systems such as rooftop units, cooling towers, and chillers, as well as smaller components like terminal units, diffusers, and dampers. By analyzing these drawings, they can predict potential noise issues once the building is completed. Vivek also outlines the common causes of noise problems, including the absence of noise control planning during the design phase, budget cuts post-design, and incorrect system component integration.
One of the key points made in the webinar is that noise control often accounts for less than 1% of a mechanical budget. However, when noise issues arise, fixing them can cost five to ten times the original price due to the extensive work required, such as redoing ductwork or installing new silencers.
Vivek introduces several strategies for mitigating noise in HVAC systems, such as identifying different noise paths (airborne, structure-borne, breakout, radiated, and flanking noise) and specifying the appropriate silencers or barriers for each. In particular, he discusses how to control breakout noise, which occurs when noise escapes from ducts into occupied spaces. Solutions like T-shaped silencers or silencers with high-transmission loss casings are essential in mitigating this issue.
The webinar also covers specific applications, such as rooftop units installed above occupied spaces like classrooms, offices, and hospital rooms. For these situations, Vibro-Acoustics offers an integrated noise control curb solution, which combines vibration isolation, acoustic barriers, and silencers to address multiple noise paths. Additionally, Vivek discusses noise control for generators, noting that solutions such as elbow silencers, plenums, and full enclosures can be customized based on the project’s requirements and space constraints.
Finally, the webinar highlights the importance of addressing noise control early in the HVAC system design process to avoid costly retrofits. Vibro-Acoustics offers a range of solutions, from silencers to full acoustical enclosures, and provides design assistance to ensure that noise issues are properly addressed in different building applications.