Case Studies: Power Stations

EDF Energy 1350MW CCGT Power Station, West Burton, UK

Spectrum has a long history in supporting EDF Energy at this site. In 2006 we advised on resolving noise issues as the existing 2000MW coal fired station had its new FGD system commissioned. In 2009 we supported EDF in the planning process for the new 1350MW CCGT station, renegotiating planning conditions. We then worked with the client and the contractor (EDF CTF) on detailed design issues reviewing changes through ongoing noise modelling. During the commissioning in 2013/2014 we witnessed on-site noise compliance testing and at project handover undertook final far-field noise testing to discharge planning and environmental permit conditions.

AES Gener Nueva Renca CCGT 370MW, Santiago, Chile

We undertook a noise control design study when this CCGT power station opened in 2001 to reduce noise levels, and then with changing Environmental Regulations and the introduction of more stringent noise limits in 2014, were called back to evaluate the scope for further noise control measures and how they might be implemented. Work included 3D noise modelling.

Skopje CCGT, Macedonia

Following the construction of a 200MW Combined Cycle Co-Generator Power Plant in Skopje, Macedonia, concerns were raised regarding noise levels generated by the plant and Spectrum were instructed to undertake noise measurements on and around the site. The purpose of the measurements was to calculate the sound power levels of each of the main noise sources and also to identify specific tonal noise sources using FFT analysis.

TAPCO Desalination and Power Plant, UAE

TAPCO called in Spectrum during the commissioning of this large desalination and power project to review and agree Contractor noise test procedures, and to coordinate the technical review of Contractor noise tests. Spectrum had to ensure In-Country Regulations were achieved within the context of complex contract specification documentation, and participate in key meetings between the Client and Contractor.

SSE Keadby CCGT Power Station and Windfarm

Two Spectrum projects 20 years apart. In the background one of the first UK CCGT power stations(710MW) where Spectrum provided detailed noise modelling and design support. In the foreground 2 of 34 2MW wind turbines(68MW)recently commissioned in England’s largest onshore windfarm.

SSE Hadyard Hill Windfarm, Scotland

Spectrum have undertaken a number of noise verification surveys on this established windfarm site for SSE, to shown ongoing compliance with planning consent noise limits.

SSE Offshore Wind Turbine Test Facility, Hunterston, Scotland

Testing of new generations of very large wind turbines destined for large SSE offshore windfarms takes place at this new dedicated facility onshore. We advised noise impacts through the planning stage and undertook measurements during commissioning to evaluate actual noise levels to the community

Forth Energy 100-200MW Wood Chip Renewable Energy Plants, Scotland

Forth Energy commissioned Spectrum to prepare noise and vibration chapters for EIAs on four potential Renewable Power Projects (REP) in Scotland. Sized at 100-200MW each, the fuel was woodchip from sustainable sources imported by ship. Each REP was located within a Port. This image shows an artist’s impression of one of the facilities. The sites were Rosyth, Leith, Grangemouth and Dundee. It is planned that some of the sites will go into the build phase.

900MW Maritza East III Lignite Fired Power Station, Bulgaria

We measured the baseline noise levels on the plant and also in the community around this coal fired power station, prior to its rehabilitation and installation of FGD environmental improvements.

AES Gener Ventanas 1-4 Coal Fired Power Units 875MW, Valparaiso, Chile

Spectrum were called in by AES Gener to assist in developing noise control measures to Chile’s largest power station following new Noise Regulations which came into force in 2014. The station comprises four generating units commissioned between 1964 and 2013. We undertook site noise measurements and coordinated the development of a large scale and complex engineered noise reduction plan co-operating with in-country noise consultants and also engineers from AES Gener.

Telecity Data Centre, Docklands, London

Spectrum advised additional noise control measures for 4 × 1400 kVA rooftop high performance diesel generators located at a London Docklands Telecity Data Centre. The planning noise limits were very stringent and the units already very quiet. Spectrum undertook detailed measurements of noise and vibration and developed an ‘acoustic skirt’ design and higher performance AVMs to reduce noise radiating from the skid base by the small amount needed to comply with local authority limits.

RWE npower 2000MW Pembroke CCGT Power Station, Wales

Spectrum were appointed at the project outset to advise on noise issues for this the UK’s largest CCGT power station. We undertook the EIA work to support the planning application and on completion worked on obtaining the Permit from the EA/NRW entering detailed discussions and carrying out noise modelling evaluations to be able to demonstrate that BAT (Best Available Techniques) had been adopted on the project. We monitored noise throughout the construction and commissioning phases of the development and also dealt with arising complaints, and finally as normal commercial operations commenced we tested the project to demonstrate that all project noise objectives had been achieved.

Rio Tinto Alcan 70MW Lochaber Hydroelectric Power Station, Scotland

Spectrum measured and evaluated the noise from hydro turbines at this well-established power plant providing clean renewable energy to the nearby aluminium plant. Noise control designs were developed for silencing the generator cooling systems and noise radiating from the hydro turbine casings. Spectrum supervised the installation of noise control and established noise levels reduced by in excess of 10dBA throughout the power station. Spectrum have undertaken a large number of similar projects mainly in Scotland for SSE.