Listen Carefully

Reports of unusual noise from a wind farm are received by our Asset Management department, also known as the management department. These can come from a landowner, a nearby business, or a passerby of a wind farm. For example, think of a whistling sound or a popping sound. Our managers take every sound seriously to investigate if something is wrong. ”It’s important to first determine where the sound is coming from, because a small sound can escalate into a bigger problem. We take the complaints seriously, listen, and try to find a solution,” Romana explains.

Understanding Complaints

Noise complaints often stem from specific problems with the turbine. Senne explains that malfunctions in the generator or peeling paint on the blades can lead to noticeable sounds, such as a low hum or whistle. ”The team methodically handles complaints by first analyzing the data from the wind turbine receiving a noise complaint and then asking residents or other complainants questions about the sound they hear, its timing, and their proximity to the turbine to rule out other possible sources.”

Data-Driven Analyses

To identify a noise complaint, our team checks the data for anomalies. For example, a faulty inverter can reduce a turbine’s capacity, changing the sound. In other cases, a gap between magnets can increase vibrations, producing a sound that spreads far. If the data doesn’t point to the problem, Senne and Romana can make an on-site visit to assess the sound themselves.

Romana emphasizes that it is important to stay in contact with other managers to exchange strategies for noise management. ‘We regularly hold meetings to share our challenges and solutions,’ she indicates.

Challenges in Managing Noise Complaints

One of the biggest challenges for Senne and Romana is the subjective perception of sound. People may report being bothered by noise, but it may be that Senne and Romana themselves don’t hear any sound when standing next to the turbine. In each case, they learn to look beyond the numbers and recognize that noise complaints can be influenced by environmental factors – such as nearby construction work – or even trends in media attention, which can increase the community’s sensitivity to turbine noise.

Long-Term Adjustments and Constant Improvements

Years of analysis led Senne to advocate for extensive data access, allowing the team to monitor turbine operations independently of manufacturers. This enables the team to respond more efficiently to potential problems, reducing the turnaround time for resolving complaints.

Despite their efforts, Romana emphasizes that it is challenging to satisfy everyone. ‘We have learned to take every complaint seriously, as things can escalate if nothing is done about it. Even if it’s a unique case, we strive to identify the root cause, recognizing that each location and situation has its own nuances,’ she says.

As the landscape around wind farms evolves – new residential areas, seasonal changes in sound perception, and nearby solar parks altering sound distribution – their work becomes more complex. But with each new case, Senne, Romana, and their team improve their ability to ensure minimal noise disturbance in the surrounding communities while promoting a more sustainable future through wind energy.