Acoustic Comfort Evaluation of Residence That Uses Portable Electricity-Generating Plants

Abstract

The response of various sectors of the Nigerian economy to the epileptic state of power supply from the Nigerian electricity grid has greatly contributed to the acquisition and use of mobile power generation equipment as an alternative energy source. This study examined the acoustic impact of power generation facilities on residential environments in the greater Abeokuta area. The total noise emitted by each portable generator was measured at various distances of 1 meter each, starting at 1 m from the portable generator and up to 5 m from the previous measurement point. Measurements were taken 15-30 minutes before and after the operation of the portable power plant and 30-60 minutes during operation. Data was collected using a tape measure, a digital stopwatch and a GM 1352 sound level meter. The average results for noise emission during use of the generator were maximum (mean = 83.93 dBA, SD = 1.35) and minimum (mean = 71.72 dBA, SD = 0.85) at a distance of 1 m, which was much higher than the average environmental noise level before (mean = 47.36, SD = 0.75) and after (mean = 47.63, SD = 0, 75) generator operation. Analysis of noise level intensity for household acoustic comfort using the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's recommended categories of typical noise levels for residential areas revealed that the outdoor noise levels of the assessed environment before and after use of portable power generation equipment were within LAeq ≤ 49 dBA and 49 < LAeq ≤ 62 dBA, which represent clearly and normally acceptable noise level limits for residential areas. However, the noise levels modified to ranges within of 62 < LAeq ≤ 76 dBA (normal) and LAeq > 76 dBA (clearly) unacceptable noise level when using portable power generators. This means that power plants pose a noise nuisance to the outside of the houses in which they are used to supply electricity, thereby affecting the acoustic comfort of that environment.