Analysis of the impact of satellite station equipment noise on the surrounding environment: noise and vibration control of exhaust fans, heat pump units, and circulating pumps.

Environmental challenges of satellite station equipment noise

As a critical information infrastructure, satellite communication earth stations place special demands on the acoustic quality of their surrounding environment for stable operation. According to the "Environmental Noise Quality Standard" (GB 3096-2008), the daytime noise limit for residential areas surrounding satellite stations is 55 dB(A), and the nighttime limit is 45 dB(A), while the daytime limit is 60 dB(A), and the nighttime limit is 50 dB(A), for mixed commercial areas. However, the noise generated by auxiliary equipment such as exhaust fans, heat pump units, and circulating pumps within the satellite station often exceeds these standards. In particular, low-frequency vibrations propagate through the building structure, causing persistent disturbance to nearby residents and commercial users.

Exhaust fan noise characteristics and environmental impact

Noise generation mechanism and spectral characteristics

The noise from exhaust fans mainly consists of aerodynamic noise, mechanical noise, and electromagnetic noise.

• Aerodynamic noise : Noise generated by the acceleration, diffusion, and turbulence of airflow in the fan impeller accounts for 60%-70% of the total noise.

• Mechanical noise : Vibration noise caused by bearing friction and impeller imbalance, manifested as low-frequency pulsation.

• Spectral characteristics : Broadband noise, with the main peak concentrated in the 125-500Hz low-frequency range; the exhaust fan can reach a sound pressure level of 95.4dB at 315Hz.

Dissemination routes and scope of influence

1. Airborne transmission : Noise is directly radiated through the fan inlet and outlet and the machine room ventilation openings, and attenuates slowly within a 30-meter range (3dB attenuation every 10 meters).

2. Structural propagation : Vibration is transmitted to the building structure through the wind turbine foundation, causing secondary radiation in the walls and floors.

A case study from a satellite station shows that untreated exhaust fans can cause daytime noise levels of 68 dB(A) and nighttime noise levels of 57 dB(A) in residential areas within a 100-meter radius, exceeding national standards by 13-12 dB, and increasing residents' insomnia complaint rate by 37%.

Analysis of noise and vibration pollution from heat pump units

Noise Source Analysis

The noise from heat pump units mainly comes from three aspects:

1. Compressor noise : 65-75dB(A), mainly low frequency 63-250Hz, with strong penetrating ability.

2. Axial flow fan noise : 79-90dB(A), mid-to-high frequency characteristics, with obvious directivity.

3. Structural vibration : Compressor vibration is transmitted through the steel structural frame, forming a "sound bridge" when installed on the roof.

Actual measurement data shows that when the heat pump unit is running, the A-weighted sound level at 10 meters can reach 78 dB, and spectrum analysis shows that the sound pressure level in the 63 Hz band reaches 72 dB, which is the main reason for residents' complaints.

Special impact on the surrounding environment

• Low-frequency vibration : Vibrations of 31.5-125Hz propagate through the floor slab, causing secondary radiation indoors and leading to symptoms such as irritability and insomnia.

• Sound coloration : Pure tone components at specific frequencies (such as 70Hz) form standing waves in a room, leading to auditory fatigue.

• 24/7 impact : A heat pump system operating 24 hours a day exposes nearby residents to prolonged noise pollution, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%.

Comprehensive Management of Vibration and Noise in Circulating Pumps

Vibration noise characteristics

The noise of circulating pumps is mainly composed of mechanical vibration and fluid noise.

• Mechanical noise : Periodic vibrations caused by bearing wear and rotor imbalance, with vibration velocities reaching 7.1 mm/s (ISO 10816-3 Class C).

• Fluid noise : Turbulent noise generated by water flow at valves and elbows, with a wide frequency spectrum and no obvious peaks.

• System resonance : Improper pipe layout can easily induce resonance below 250Hz, with vibration displacement reaching 200μm.

Characteristics and harms of transmission

Vibration affects the surrounding environment through the following pathways:

1. Solid-borne sound propagation : Vibrations are transmitted along pipes and building structures, attenuating by only 5-8 dB within a 100-meter range.

2. Secondary radiation : Under vibration excitation, walls and floors generate re-radiated noise, which can reach 55-60 dB(A).

3. Low-frequency discomfort : Low-frequency vibrations of 20-200Hz can cause resonance in the human chest cavity, leading to discomfort such as chest tightness and headaches.

Noise control measures for satellite station exhaust fans, heat pump units, and circulating pumps require specific approaches.

1. Exhaust fan : Focus on controlling low-frequency aerodynamic noise, using a silencer and vibration-damping foundation.

2. Heat pump unit : To solve the problem of low-frequency vibration transmission, a floating ground structure + sound barrier is used.

3. Circulating pump : Suppresses system resonance, optimizes pipeline design + damping vibration reduction

Intelligent monitoring and operation and maintenance

1. Real-time monitoring system :

◦ Deploy the SY6618 type automatic noise monitoring terminal, with a measurement range of 20-144dB(A) and an accuracy of ±0.5dB.

◦ The vibration sensor has a sampling frequency of 1kHz and continuously monitors vibration velocity and displacement.

2. Predictive maintenance :

• By analyzing the vibration spectrum of equipment using AI algorithms, faults such as bearing wear and impeller imbalance can be identified in advance.

Establish equipment health records and proactively intervene before noise levels exceed standards to prevent sudden noise incidents.

It is recommended that the satellite station introduce acoustic consultants during the planning stage and adopt the "three simultaneous" system (simultaneous design, simultaneous construction, and simultaneous commissioning), which can reduce treatment costs by 30%. Sanyuan Environment can provide full-cycle services from acoustic design and manufacturing to engineering implementation, ensuring that equipment noise remains stable and meets standards in the long term.