Low frequency sound and infrasound from wind turbines: A status update.

A common issue raised with wind energy developers and operators of utility‐scale wind turbines is whether the operation of their wind turbines may create unacceptable levels of low frequency noise and infrasound. In order to answer this question, one of the major wind energy developers commissioned a scientific study of their wind turbine fleet. The study consisted of three parts: (1) a world‐wide literature search to determine unbiased guidelines and standards used to evaluate low frequency sound and infrasound, (2) a field study to measure wind turbine noise outside and within nearby residences, and (3) to compare the field results to the guidelines and standards. The guidelines and standards evaluated were audibility including infrasound; ANSI S12.2 for interior sounds—both acceptability of low‐frequency sounds in bedrooms, schools, and hospitals and perceptible rattles and vibration; ANSI S12.9 Part 4 for thresholds of annoyance and beginning of rattles; and certain European criteria for low frequency...