Are battery energy storage systems causing noise?

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are relatively new to the US, and communities are only just starting to become aware of the noise issues they can create. BESS’s are generally large power storage facilities, often comprised of hundreds of battery units the size of shipping containers spread over many acres of land.

Did NMS conduct a noise study for a new battery energy storage facility?

In July, 2022, NMS was retained to conduct a detailed noise study for a new Battery Energy Storage Facility near Los Angeles (for confidentiality purposes, no identifying client or site information is included in this article). The facility consisted of over 300 batteries, over 60 PCS units and two transformers covering about 6 acres of land.

Do battery containers make noise?

Battery Container Battery containers generally make little noise during normal operation when external ambient air temperatures are in the 5°C to 25°C range. Outside this range, greater demand is placed on heating/cooling and ventilation equipment to ensure no loss of storage capacity (below 5°C) and no damage due to overheating (above 25°C).

What sounds are emitted from a battery enclosure?

Sound from inlet and outlet airflow vents, as well as fans and pumps are emitted from each battery enclosure. The sounds from these systems are similar to rooftop heating ventilation and cooling units in residential and commercial buildings.

Can a Bess battery system be placed in a grid?

However, BESS facilities often place multiple large battery systems in a grid in order to fit as many of them in an area as possible. Sound enclosures may be considered for some equipment, but the most common form of noise control is a noise barrier of appropriate height.

How can a Bess battery system be mitigated?

Sometimes the easiest mitigation is to simply move the loudest noise sources farther away from the nearest property line or sensitive receptor. However, BESS facilities often place multiple large battery systems in a grid in order to fit as many of them in an area as possible.