Noise pollution can be as damaging to our environment as chemical pollution. Unwanted power-generator noises can be controlled.
Like many types of rotating machinery, engine powered generator sets produce noise and vibration. Whether these generator sets run continuously as prime power applications or occasionally in standby applications, their operating sound levels often must be reduced to comply with Tonga’s ordinances.
With the power generator located in the highly populated area in the main island of Ha’apai, Tonga Power engineers have focussed their attention on understanding how generator noise is propagated and controlled. The high cost of the exhaust stacks required meant that Tonga Power had to carefully manage its cash flow in order to afford the right equipment to mitigate noise. In March 2012, funding for this project finally became available.
In general two forms of regulation affect the level of noise to which individuals or the public may be exposed; noise ordinances and safety regulations. The noise which was produced by the power generators in Pangai, Ha’apai migrated beyond the property line of the Tonga Power compound and disturbed the public but that is seldom sufficiently loud to constitute a safety hazard.
The workers can limit noise exposure by wearing hearing protection when working around high noise areas but the main concern was for the public and the Power Station neighbours.
Two newly installed muffler silencers were fitted to the generators in Ha’apai on 29 August 2012. According to Taufa Vaka, Tonga Power Manager for Ha’apai Island, “prior to the installation of the new silencers, we could hear the noise from Ha’ato’u, Hihifo and around Pangai”. Rev Tevita Tupou of Pangai said, “We thought that a standby generator is currently running when we noticed the noise has suddenly stopped. It almost seems like a new power generator due to the great difference it has made”. One of the Power Station neighbours Tuliaki Koloamatangi said, “We can now sleep at night without the racket sound of the generators”.
The overall cost for the muffler silencers was AUD$41, 000.