Even traditional data centers have not been known to be especially
considerate about scheduling their -loud- genset tests. Doesn't matter so
much in the middle of an industrial zone but when you do it near where people
live you're going to make them angry.
Why are gensets loud?
Is there a fundamental physics problem or are they all designed for industrial
areas where the noise isn't much of a problem?
If I wanted a less noisy one, could I get it? How much more would it cost?
Are the zoning people smart enough to include noise limits? ...
Why are gensets loud?
They're high power internal combustion engines. Explosions are loud.
If I wanted a less noisy one, could I get it?
Yes. If you run the engine at 3600 rpm to get 60 hertz ac power, it's
a lot "louder" than if you run it at 1800 or 1200 rpm and use the wire
windings to step the frequency up to 60 hertz. This is because high
frequency sound at the same decibels is perceived to be louder than
low frequency sound.
Are the zoning people smart enough to include noise limits?
It depends. Agricultural and industrial zones don't generally have
noise ordinances. When they do, the ordinances tend to be written as
decibels rather than perceptual disturbance.
Regards,
Bill Herrin