Acoustic consultant – An under-development novel indoors and outdoors noise assessment software

Abstract This paper introduces acoustics software for mechanical engineers and architects to aid in the early design stages or later consultations. The software uses governing equations for mechanical equipment and HVAC components in standards such as ASHARE, ASTM E477 and ARI coupled with room acoustics equations. Along the sound propagation path the noise sound pressure levels are calculated starting from the first source to the receiving point. The transmission loss of any obstacles/walls are taken into consideration to give a reliable estimation to the real values. In this paper two case studies are presented to show the efficiency of the software and verify the outputs with measurements. The sound pressure levels and noise criteria of the indoor and outdoor spaces studied showed a variation around 6.4% compared to measured values. Through this software the designer could map and manipulate the design to reach the standard or regulated noise criteria.