Research and assessment of wind turbine's noise in Vydmantai

The decreasing reserve and growing costs of coal, oil and gas has persistently led us to use renewable energy resources. Using them environmental harm, air pollution and greenhouse effect can significantly be decreased. According to the European Union Parliament's and Council Directive 2001/77/EC approved in July 27, 2001, the member countries (Lithuania has been a member country from May 1, 2004) must seek to use not less than 12 per cent of renewable energy sources in total energy balance and 22,1 percent in the country's energy balance (including large hydroelectric power station). The numbers are significant. Thus, using wind energy can be one of the ways to fulfil the requirements. Lithuanian seaside, where the strongest winds are blowing.. has been the most favourable place for the wind turbine's installation. However, usage and development of wind energy has been facing resistance from the society. One of the biggest arguments against the wind turbine is the noise which can cause inconveniences for the permanent residents and holidaymakers of the health-resort zone. Therefore, environmental impact of the wind turbine requires exhaustive investigations. The research was carried out in the vicinity around the only one presently active industrial wind turbine in Vydmantai (region of Klaipeda, Lithuania). During the investigation it was established that the highest noise level was registered opposite the airscrew. The smallest noise level was measured in both sides from the tower in windscrew plane. It has been measured that noise level is noticeably higher in Vydmantai wind turbine's zone than in the background, which does exceed 250300 in (5-6 windscrew diameters).