Burak Ayva, Samuel Wong and Beau Daniel Weyers
Abstract – The industrial deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is rapidly increasing in Australia, driven by advancements in cost-effective energy storage technologies. In Australia, significant investments are being made in BESS projects across Australia, aiming to leverage their numerous benefits, including peak load management, grid stability, renewable energy integration, and market participation. However, the proliferation of BESS projects, often situated in rural areas, presents considerable noise management challenges. This paper explores the noise issues associated with large-scale BESS projects and discusses effective mitigation strategies based on experiences from key projects in QLD, NSW, and VIC. Challenges identified include obtaining accurate noise data on new technology, close proximity to residents, and the practicalities of implementing extensive and often tall noise barriers. Effective strategies beyond traditional barriers include the reorientation of BESS units, reorganising BESS station layouts, use of acoustic enclosures and louvres, adjusting cooling fan speeds with variable speed drivers, and engaging with manufacturers for acoustic optimizations. Proactive risk management through early engagement of noise engineers in the project lifecycle is emphasized to ensure compliance with Australian environmental noise regulations and to reduce cost during design phase. This study reviews effective strategies, beyond traditional barriers, and underscores the importance of strategic planning and innovative noise mitigation to facilitate the sustainable growth of BESS projects in Australia.
Published in the Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Australian Acoustical Society: Acoustics 2024 Acoustics in the Sun
