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

Environmental Challenges of Satellite Station Equipment Noise

As critical information infrastructure, satellite communication earth stations place special demands on the acoustic quality of their surroundings for stable operation. According to the "Noise Environment Quality Standard" (GB 3096-2008), noise limits for residential areas surrounding satellite stations are 55dB(A) during the day and 45dB(A) at night, while those for mixed commercial areas are 60dB(A) during the day and 50dB(A) at night. However, the noise generated by auxiliary equipment within satellite stations, such as exhaust fans, heat pump units, and circulation pumps, often exceeds these limits. Low-frequency vibrations, in particular, propagate through the building structure, causing persistent noise disturbances to nearby residents and businesses.

Exhaust fan noise characteristics and environmental impact

Noise Generation Mechanism and Spectral Characteristics

Exhaust fan noise mainly consists of aerodynamic noise, mechanical noise and electromagnetic noise:

• Aerodynamic noise : The noise generated by the acceleration, diffusion and turbulence of airflow in the fan impeller, accounting 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 low frequency range of 125-500Hz. The exhaust fan can reach a sound pressure level of 95.4dB at 315Hz.

Transmission channels and scope of influence

1. Airborne transmission : Noise is directly radiated through the fan inlet and outlet and the ventilation opening of the machine room, and decays slowly within a range of 30 meters (3dB decay per 10 meters).

2. Structural transmission : Vibration is transmitted to the building structure through the fan foundation, causing secondary radiation from the walls and floor slabs

A case study at a satellite station showed that untreated exhaust fans can cause daytime noise levels of 68dB(A) and 57dB(A) at night in residential areas within a radius of 100 meters, exceeding the national standard by 13-12dB, and the rate of residents' insomnia complaints increased by 37%.

Analysis of noise and vibration pollution of heat pump units

Noise Source Analysis

The noise of 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 fan noise : 79-90dB(A), medium and high frequency characteristics, obvious directivity

3. Structural vibration : The compressor vibration is transmitted through the steel structure frame, forming an "acoustic bridge" when installed on the roof

Actual measured data show that when the heat pump unit is running, the A sound level at 10 meters can reach 78dB. Spectrum analysis shows that the sound pressure level in the 63Hz frequency band reaches 72dB, which is the main cause of residents' complaints.

Special impact on the surrounding environment

• Low-frequency vibration : 31.5-125Hz vibration is transmitted through the floor, causing secondary radiation in the room, causing symptoms such as irritability and insomnia.

• Sound coloration : Pure sound components of a specific frequency (such as 70Hz) form standing waves in the room, causing auditory fatigue

• All-weather impact : 24-hour operation of the heat pump system exposes surrounding residents to long-term noise, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20%.

Comprehensive control of circulation pump vibration and noise

Vibration and noise characteristics

The noise of the circulating pump is mainly composed of mechanical vibration and fluid noise:

• Mechanical noise : Periodic vibrations caused by bearing wear and rotor imbalance, with a vibration speed of up to 7.1 mm/s (ISO 10816-3 Class C)

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

• System resonance : When the pipeline layout is unreasonable, it is easy to cause resonance below 250Hz, and the vibration displacement can reach 200μm

Transmission characteristics and hazards

Vibration affects the surrounding environment in the following ways:

1. Solid-body sound transmission : Vibration is transmitted along pipelines and building structures, and the attenuation is only 5-8dB within a range of 100 meters.

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

3. Low-frequency annoyance : 20-200Hz low-frequency vibration causes resonance in the human chest cavity, leading to chest tightness, headache and other discomforts

Targeted measures should be taken to control the noise of satellite station exhaust fans, heat pump units and circulation pumps:

1. Exhaust fan : focus on controlling low-frequency aerodynamic noise, using muffler + vibration reduction foundation

2. Heat pump unit : To solve the problem of low-frequency vibration transmission, use floating ground + sound insulation barrier

3. Circulation pump : suppress system resonance, optimize pipeline design + damping vibration reduction

Intelligent monitoring and operation and maintenance

1. Real-time monitoring system :

◦ Deployment of the SY6618 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 :

◦ Analyze equipment vibration spectrum based on AI algorithms to identify faults such as bearing wear and impeller imbalance in advance

◦ Establish equipment health records and proactively intervene before noise levels exceed standards to avoid sudden noise incidents

It's recommended that satellite stations engage acoustic consultants during the planning phase and adopt a "three simultaneous" approach (simultaneous design, construction, and commissioning) to reduce remediation costs by 30%. Sanyuan Environmental offers a full-cycle service, from acoustic design and manufacturing to project implementation, ensuring equipment noise meets standards consistently over the long term.