July 10, 2024
Building on our success controlling unwanted noise from San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E’s) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at their Clairemont microgrid substation, an AIL Sound Walls solution was also selected for their Paradise microgrid substation. We were pleased to be working with the same contractor/partner, Suffolk.
Like Clairemont, our lightweight PVC sound barrier wall system also needed to navigate various levels of concrete base along this project’s 406′ run. Unique to this installation, the top rails were fitted with bird-deterrent strips.
Good communication was a big part of this project’s successful outcome. With timely responses from all parties, we were able to get the project moving forward quickly. Installation of our Tuf-Barrier (Reflective) system rolled along smoothly, and we were able to stay on schedule and on budget. SDG&E and Suffolk were happy with the results.
Sound barrier walls for controlling BESS noise from microgrid substations
Microgrids are small-scale electric grids that can operate independently of, or in parallel to, the larger regional grid and can keep critical community facilities powered during outages. BESS technology is an important part of every microgrid. It captures and stores renewable energy from wind or solar when it is abundant during the day, then sends that energy back to the grid when it is needed most, such as at night or during adverse weather events.
Issues with BESS technology noise have grown greatly in recent years as microgrid projects are being built in more densely populated areas. BESS units primarily emit noise from their cooling systems, but other components like inverters and transformers also produce noise.
The AIL Sound Walls team was proud to work with SDG&E and Suffolk on the Paradise and Clairemont project and we look forward to more of this type of work in the future.
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