State of the art and problems to be solved
The number of noise emitting devices is continuously increasing. In this connection outdoor units for air conditioning, systems for industrial facilities, air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps are going to be installed. In particular the installation of heat pumps is advanced due to the measures against the climate crisis and due to subsidies. Another positive aspect compared to alternatives, such as sole-water or water-water heat pumps, is that they are cheaper and easier to install, and are also suitable for renovations and properties with limited space. The many positive points are primarily offset by two challenges: Unlike sole/water – water heat pumps, the efficiency of air-to-water heat pumps is always depending on outdoor conditions. Furthermore, the outdoor units emit sound. While the first mentioned challenge is considered in more detail in other research and development projects, the RAARA project (Resdiential Area Augmented Reality Acoustics) focuses on the noise problem. Noise causes stress which leads to reactions such as cardiovascular diseases, sleep and concentration disorders up to mental illnesses and it also has an influence on social behavior (e.g. neighborhood disputes). In general, noise nuisance has increased in recent years and 40% of Austrians already feel affected by it.
Solution approach
In order to avoid these problems in advance, it is necessary to calculate the sound propagation of those noise-emitting devices before assembly and installation. Nowadays, the sound emissions of the respective outdoor units are usually represented by one single number which is determined by the location-independent sound power level and converted into a location-dependent sound pressure level using simple mathematical methods. Here, neither the frequency dependence, direction dependence, operating condition nor the influence of the environment are considered. Therefore, it is of great importance to open up a more intuitive, simpler but at the same time more precise access to the sound topic in order to supply cities with 100% renewable heating and cooling and to reduce the noise level at the same time. This access is provided via augmented reality (AR) and represents a unique approach to date.
Project goals
The goal of the RAARA project is to make noise emissions from noise sources via AR visible and audible. This should happen locally and in real time before their installation and should depend on frequency, direction, operating status and the environment. Noise sources such as drycoolers, evaporators, fans, etc. in/on/around buildings, as well as noise reduction measures should be able to be virtually placed on site before the installation of the equipment. Their sound emissions are visually displayed on the surrounding surfaces in real time or made acoustically perceptible. For the calculations, the automatically recognized environment is considered in terms of sound physics. With the unique methodology developed in this project, different installation locations, noise-insulating measures and facades that have not yet been built can be considered and thus the noise level of the heating and cooling devices of the future can be virtually optimized even before the devices have been ordered.