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Design of an Acoustic Enclosure for a 12.5kVA Diesel Engine Electric

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46319 V.I. Okoro and B.M. Ogunedo / Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323

Available online at www.elixirpublishers.com (Elixir International Journal)

Mechanical Engineering
Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323

Design of an Acoustic Enclosure for a 12.5kVA Diesel Engine Electric

Generator.
V.I. Okoro and B.M. Ogunedo
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
ARTICLE INFO
AB S T RA C T
Art i cl e h i sto ry : The study focused on the design of an acoustic enclosure for 12.5 kVA diesel generator
Received: 17 February 2017;
with an objective to minimize the noise level to a moderately loud sound level. Factors
Received in revised form:
15 April 2017; which affect noise reduction and heat management were considered. The study revealed
Accepted: 25 April 2017; that the loss in transmitted sound amounted to 20dB from the initial 95dB without an
enclosure, with the insertion loss being 48.6%. The analysis of the transfer of the sound
K ey w o rd s wave revealed that the frequency of the incident wave was lower than the critical
Transmission Loss, frequency of the enclosure, this signifies that the enclosure will not resonate during
Sound Pressure Level, operation. The heat generated within enclosure is 19280.806kW and this will cause the
Insertion Loss,
maximum temperature of the cylinder head to be exceeded. To avert this, acoustic holes
Angle of incidence,
Intensity Level. where designed to allow a mass flow rate of 0.57kg/sec of air to pass through the
enclosure, conducting the excess heat away.
© 2017 Elixir All rights reserved.

Introduction
Epileptic power supply in Nigeria has become a norm
rather than an anomaly. Despite heavy investments in the
sector, gains experienced are disproportionate with the
investments made. According to [1], the Transmission
Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) generation report disclosed that
the nation witnessed total system collapse on June 28, 2016
and partial collapse on July 10. Overall, in 2016, the power
grid collapsed 22 times – 16 total and five partial – up from 13
and 10 in 2014 and 2015 respectively. This has forced a large
majority of the populace to acquire electric power generators
in a bid to provide power for their daily activities spanning
from industrial to domestic purposes. These generators have
the advantages of been cost effective, user friendly and
reliable than other energy options. However, sound generated
from these generating set as a result of the vibration of the
various parts of the generator causes noise pollution, hence,
the need to curb the menace caused by the generator sound
becomes imperative. It is against this background that the
work aims to design an acoustic enclosure for a 2.5kVA diesel
powered generator with adequate thermal management.
Research Elaborations
Sound is formed when vibrating objects in air induce a
pressure wave that falls on human ear. When this sound is not
desired, it is termed as noise. The noise source of a generator
include: Engine noise, exhaust noise, alternator noise,
vibrating structure, and change in load demand.
Figure 1. Decibel levels of different sounds [2].
This polluting noise is known to cause side effects such as
Figure 1 indicates that the decibel level of the sound from
hearing loss, sleeplessness, psychological trauma,
the generating sets is usually very loud. Hence there is a need
physiological changes, and pain. According to [2] by using a
to attenuate the sound. Attenuation of sound can be done in
base-10 logarithmic scale, the whole range of human hearing
many ways such as: the use of acoustic barriers, acoustic
can be described by a more convenient number that ranges
insulation, vibration insolation, attenuation of cooling air
from 0 dB (threshold of normal hearing) to 140 dB (the
noise, exhaust silencers and maximizing the distance from the
threshold of pain).
source [2].
Tele: +2347032852730
E-mail address: [email protected]
© 2017 Elixir All rights reserved
46320 V.I. Okoro and B.M. Ogunedo / Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323
Since noise is effectively controlled at the source and Transmission Loss Coefficient : This indicates the
along its path of transmission, an acoustic enclosure, was used amount of incident acoustic wave that passes through the
to attenuate the sound, with attention given to suppressant acoustic enclosure and appearing at the secondary section of
materials. The passive sound attenuation system intends to the panel. It is unity at critical frequency. The higher its value
strike a balance between the control of the noise generated by (above 1), the higher the transmission loss. It is expressed as:
the generator using an acoustic enclosure and the heat that (2)
ensues within the enclosure as a result of trapped heat energy.
This heat causes the engine to exceed its operating cylinder Transmitted pressure, [ ] √ (3)
head temperature, leading to eventual failure of the engine. Where: Incident pressure, √ (4)
With the aid of a sound meter, the sound level of the Pressure root mean square = (5)
generator without an enclosure was taken in an open test field
of 75ft by 75ft and the average sound level was found to be Sound Pressure Level/Acoustic Pressure (SPL): this is the
95dB. pressure at which the sound travels in air. It is expressed as :
SPL = (6)
Material Selection
Materials such as, oil palm fiber, coir fiber and Rockwool [ ⁄ ]
which can serve as good sound absorbers were considered,
and Rockwool was selected due to the following reasons [3]:
Where: in other media [5]
 Iginition Temperature (850°C)
 Heat insulating Insertion Loss, (IL): The loss gives the effect of the
 Airflow resistance (9 kPa*s/m )
2 enclosure on the noise source. It is a comparism of the sound
 Dynamic stiffness pressure level without enclosure to the sound pressure level
 Surface protection of the product with enclosure. It is expressed as:
 Density (100 kg/ ) IL =
10 (7)
 Non-combustible
 Moisture and water repellent ⁄
 Sound-absorbing (up to 5000Hz)
 Thermal conductivity (0.033W/mK) [ ]
 Tensile Strength (10kN/m )
2 Where: = Sound pressure level without enclosure
E-glass fiber was used as the casing with the following Sound pressure level with enclosure
specifications: Critical frequency of the enclosure, ( : This is the
 Physical properties (Type: chopped strand) lowest frequency at which the enclosure begins to vibrate at an
 Length of strand: 7mm amplitude almost equal to the amplitude of the air particles in
 Density: 2.58g the incident wave. In other words, the panel seems to resonate
 Diameter of a strand: 13.0m. by transmitting a wave that is nearly as intense as incident
 Tensile strength of 3445 Mpa. [3] wave. Mathematically, this will occur when
 Thermal Conductivity: 0.05W/mK. [4] . This phenomenon is known as acoustics as
Fabrication of the enclosure coincidence.
There are two aspects of the design. The first aspect The critical frequency of the enclosure is expressed as:
involves fabricating the composite panel boxes using E-glass (8)
fiber composite which form the inner and the outer casings of √
the enclosure. The reasons for making a composite material Where density panel
our choice are due to their sound and vibration damping Young’s modulus
properties as well as their light weight which makes the t = thickness of panel
enclosure portable. The second aspect of the design is the Incident wave velocity, ( : This is the velocity at which
insertion of Rockwool as the sound absorbing material in the
the incident wave is projected in air. It is expressed as:
50mm gap between the two casings. This gap maximizes the
(9)
sound insulation for airborne sound. The combination of high
quality glass fiber/polyester composite and Rockwool as the Where: density of air; speed of sound in air at
absorption material gives the enclosure good absorption , x = perimeter of enclosure.
characteristics. The inner casing is designed to improve Acoustic Mach number, M: it’s a ratio of the velocity of
absorption of sound waves by the absorbing material. The the incident wave to the velocity of the sound in 2m. It is
dimension of the enclosure is 120cm x 90cm x 70cm. expressed as
Design Calculation (10)
Sound consideration parameters
Transmission Loss (TL): The transmission loss of the Bending wave velocity, ( : This is the velocity at which
panel indicates the amount of air-borne insulation provided by the absorbed sound wave is propagated in the panel. Hence,
the panel or acoustic enclosure. It is directly proportional to when coincidence will occur.
the sound insulation. It also increases with frequency, but is (11)
found to be at its least value of the critical frequency. It is √
expressed as: Frequency of the incident wave, (f): This can be evaluated
[ ] (1) using the relation
Where transmission loss coefficient. (12)
√
46321 V.I. Okoro and B.M. Ogunedo / Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323
Where: surface density of E-fiber, surface (22)
density of Rockwool
m=ρxt Heat transfer coefficients between the inside
g = distance between the composite panels. and outside surfaces of the wall and surrounding air
Intensity Level, ( : The sound intensity level can be respectively.
evaluated using the relation established by [5] Thermal conductivities of E-glass fiber and
(13) Rockwool respectively,
[⁄ ] A = Area of enclosure
Where: I = , for air Where: Total thermal resistance across the
composite wall
under atmospheric condition
Table 1. A Technical Data of the Diesel Engine.
Is related to pa in
Model ZS195NM
air. Type Single cylinder, Horizontal, 4 stroke, Diesel
Acoustic Impedance, (z): This is the opposition to the Combustion system Swirl
acoustic flow offered by the enclosure as a result of an Bore x stroke 95x115(mm)
acoustic pressure applied on the enclosure. It is expressed as: Displacement 0.815L
(14) Compression ratio 20:1
Rated output 9.7kW
Angle of incidence, ( ): This is the angle at which the Speed 2200 Rpm
incident pressure wave strikes the enclosure panel. It is Cooling system Radiator
expressed as: Lubrication system Combined pressure and splash
. When , coincidence wave Starting system Electric start, key switch
Total heat trapped in the enclosure: The total heat trapped in
emerges/occurs. the enclosure can be estimated with the relation given in
Incident wave length. equation (3.22)
Bending wave length. (21)
Heat consideration parameters The value of is the heat that should be conducted
In calculating the heat exchange associated to this away from the enclosure in order to avoid the cylinder head
enclosure, the following consideration where made: temperature from exceeding its maximum limit.
Heat trapped within the enclosure: This is due to the heat To achieve this, forced convection was considered with the aid
generated during the operation of the diesel engine, radiation of a fan.
and heat loss due to enclosure wall. The technical data of the Mass of cooling air: The mass of air needed for cooling can be
diesel engine is given in table 3.1. obtained using the relation in equation (22)
Heat generated by diesel engine operation: The input (22)
energy which the engine runs on comes from fuel. Hence,
Where: C = specific heat capacity of air at constant volume
Energy input,
=
( )= (15)
Temperature of enclosure,
Ambient temperature.
It was observed that when the engine runs at ¾ of the Sizing of fan:
rated power output, the volumetric flow rate of fuel is The size of fan needed can be obtained using the relation
0.002Litres/hr. given in equation (23)
The efficiency of the alternator is 90% (23)
(16)
Where: m = mass flow rate of air.
Hence; Heat trapped in enclosure due to the engine Density of air
operation Thickness of panel (t): This is the thickness needed for
(17) maximum attenuation of the sound. Oldham et.al, (1991)
Where: expressed it as:
(18) (24)
(19) Where: Incident sound pressure
Heat trapped due to solar radiation: Absorption coefficient
The heat transfer by solar radiation is given as: TL= Transmission loss
[ ] (20) E= Average energy density for acoustic material.
Where: E = emissivity constant, Design Analysis
A = Area of enclosure, Transmission loss coefficient: The transmission loss
Stefan-Boltzman constant, coefficient was evaluated using equation (2). The incident
Temperature of enclosure surface, pressure and transmitted pressures were first determined using
the equations (3) and (4) respectively. In analyzing this, the
Ambient temperature.
was determined using equation (5). For incident pressure,
Heat loss due to wall of the enclosure: The heat loss due
the sound level was measured to 95dB.
to wall of the enclosure: The heat loss due to the composite
wall on the 5 sides of the enclosure is expressed as:
Hence, √ 79527.07
(21) √ 7952.71
46322 V.I. Okoro and B.M. Ogunedo / Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323
Transmission loss: This indicates the effectiveness of the =
attenuation. It was determined using the relation in equation Energy input =
(1)
TL = 20 [ ]
Sound pressure level (SPL): This gives the pressure at which
the generated sound will travel in air. It was determined using Table 2. Temperature of cylinder head without and with
equation (6) enclosure.
SPL = 20 [ ] Operating time (min) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Insertion loss: It measures the effectiveness of the enclosure Temperature of cylinder 45 88 105 167 210 219 219
head without enclosure
on the sound source, equation (7) was employed to determine
(oC)
its value for the study.
Temperature of cylinder 48 92 119 178 221 228 228
20 [ ] head with enclosure (oC)
SPL = 188.98 Actual mechanical Energy supplied, ( ):
Electrical load applied, ( ):=3/4 power output
=3/4
[ ]
Thickness of panel: Equation (24) was used to determine
the panel thickness needed for maximum attenuation. Since Heat trapped in enclosure due to diesel engine operation,
diesel engine sound has a low frequency, enclosure was =
designed to attenuate the lowest low frequency sound. This is
to enable the enclosure to serve in similar sized generating set. Heat trapped due to solar radiating, ( ): Equation (18)
Hence, sound absorptivity coefficient corresponding to was applied in order to determine ( ).
the lowest frequency on table 3.2 was used in equation (24)
t= (Assuming the sun to be a perfect block body)
Critical frequency of the enclosure, ( ): This was determined
using equations (8)
(√ )
[ ]
Incident wave velocity, ( ): The incident wave velocity is
determined using equation (9)
[ ] Heat loss due to wall of enclosure,
Where

Mach number, (M): This is evaluated using equation (10)

The sound is subsonic

Frequency of incident wave: Equation (12) was used to
Hence,
determine the incident frequency.
( ) Total heat trapped in the enclosure
√
But Mass flow rate of cooling air needed

Bending wave velocity, ( ): Equation (11) was applied in

order to determine the bending wave velocity.
Hence to determine the size of fan needed for forced
convection, equation (3.24) is employed.

Discussion
Acoustic impedance (z): Applying equation (14), we get The aim of an acoustic enclosure is to ensure that the
sound that ensues as a result of the vibrations associated with
the operation of any machinery is reduced to a level that is in
accordance with the local acceptable standard.
Heat generated by the diesel engine ( ): The mass flow rate In this design, sound level productions such as the
of the diesel fuel ( ) was determined as: transmission coefficient, Transmission loss, Sound pressure
level, Insertion loss, etc., were considered. From the analysis,
the transmission coefficient is found to be 9.99, approximately
46323 V.I Okoro and B.M Ogunedo / Elixir Mech. Engg. 105 (2017) 46319-46323
10, indicating that it is ten times above coincidence point. The Conclusion
enclosure was designed to ensure that the transmission loss for The study carried out an effective noise attenuation on a
the low frequency sound generated by the generator will be 12.5kVA diesel powered electric generator, using an acoustic
20dB. This led to a design thickness of 35mm for the enclosure. Material selection was considered, and the choice
enclosure. In order to enhance sound attenuation a composite of Rockwool and E-glass fiber were made as the sound
wall enclosure was chosen; at a transmission loss of 20dB, the absorbing material and the panel casing respectively. Sound
insertion loss which evaluates the efficiency of the sound parameters considered includes: Transmission loss,
insulation material was found to be 48.6%. Transmission loss coefficient, Sound pressure level, Insertion
The critical frequency of the incident frequency of the loss, Critical frequency of the enclosure, Bending wave
enclosure was determined to be 1648.42Hz which is 1.6 times velocity, etc. the effect of the heat generated as a result of the
greater than the incident frequency of the sound wave. At this enclosure was also considered because its accumulation will
condition the enclosure is not susceptible to coincidence cause the operating cylinder head temperature to exceed its
effect, hence will effectively serve the purpose of attenuation. safe operating limit. The design achieved a reduction in sound
The vibration encountered along exhaust pipe was considered level from 95db (very loud) to 75dB (moderately loud).
as this also reduces the transmission loss. Acknowledgment
To reduce this effect caused by the exhaust pipe vibration, The writers wish to thank the management and staff of the
a muffler was installed at the exhaust pipe external section. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imo State University
Considering the enclosed space, the heat generated is for the assistance rendered in sponsoring the research work.
expected to accumulate and at a point where the cylinder head References
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Operating Time (min)

Figure 2. Cylinder Head Temperature variation with time

when the generator is with and without an enclosure.

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