Compact Noise Dampening Solution
Problem statement
Exposure to unsafe noise levels is an occupational hazard for many employees working at construction sites, manufacturing floors, airport tarmacs, and even sports venues. In these environments, employees might have to spend hours in close proximity to dangerous levels of sound that can permanently damage that person’s hearing. According to OSHA, sounds over 85 decibels (dB) will be damaging after long periods of exposure and over 22 million workers are exposed to these levels each year.1 The Badgers Attempt Dampening (B.A.D.) team is focusing on reducing noise levels in the hydrogen generator lab in the Engineering Centers Building. The sound in this lab has been measured at 60 – 90 dB, depending on the proximity to the generator, and our client is looking for a 15 – 20 dB reduction to bring the noise to a safe level. One could argue that wearable hearing protection could be a more effective solution. However, wearable hearing protection can make communication difficult which is especially important in a lab setting. The B.A.D. solution will utilize a diffuser, or possibly active noise canceling, to remove energy from the sound exiting the generator, thereby decreasing the amplitude of the soundwaves and lowering the decibel level in the lab to a safe standard. [1] “Occupational Noise Exposure – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration.” https://www.osha.gov/noise (accessed Feb. 08, 2022).
Team members
Tim Keup – leader
Matt Greenapple – communicator
Luke Altenbach – accountant
Matt Palmon – admin
Client
Dr. Jeremy Kirch & Dr. Luke Mawst