Noise Control Device with Lateral Boom and Absorption Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise protection devices with integrated solar modules often redirect noise, increasing noise levels in hilly or mountainous terrain due to the design of the supporting structure, which deflects noise over the barrier rather than absorbing it effectively.
Innovation Solution
A noise protection device with a vertically extending sound absorption surface above the solar modules, where the boom supports the wall element laterally, allowing part of the deflected sound to be absorbed or scattered, reducing noise redirection by at least 4 dB, and incorporating additional solar modules on the sound absorption surface for enhanced energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the supporting structure extends to the upper end of the vertical noise barrier to deflect noise over the barrier, then noise deflection is improved, but noise levels increase in hilly or mountainous terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the function of different parts of the noise barrier structure. The upper portion features a sound absorption surface that absorbs redirected noise, while the lower portion maintains the reflective function. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by absorbing noise in the critical upper region where redirection occurs, rather than uniformly reflecting all noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of noise redirection into a benefit by strategically placing sound absorption surfaces at the upper end of the barrier. The noise that would otherwise be harmfully redirected over the barrier is instead absorbed by the sound absorption surface, transforming the problematic redirected noise into absorbed energy that does not propagate to hilly terrain areas.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar modules are mounted on the noise barrier structure, then energy generation is improved, but the supporting structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise barrier structure with solar module mounting functionality by integrating the boom support elements into the existing barrier framework. The booms extend from the barrier and provide mounting surfaces for solar modules, combining noise reduction and energy generation functions into a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the noise barrier structure to serve multiple functions: noise reflection/absorption, structural support, and solar module mounting. The boom elements serve dual purposes as both structural components of the barrier and as mounting supports for photovoltaic modules, reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the soundproofing surface extends vertically upwards from the solar module upper edge, then noise absorption is improved, but solar module shading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by extending the soundproofing surface vertically only to a specific height above the solar modules rather than covering the entire barrier height. This partial extension provides sufficient noise absorption capability while limiting the shading effect on solar modules, achieving an optimal balance between noise control and energy generation functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces noise redirection by incorporating a sound absorption surface that absorbs or scatters sound, achieving a lower sound pressure level and allowing for efficient solar energy generation, particularly in hilly terrain where conventional solutions fail to mitigate noise effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the soundproofing surface being designed as a sound absorption surface. Thus, part of the sound deflected by the solar module is deflected into the soundproofing surface and deflected, scattered, absorbed or a combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
at least one solar module carried by the boom
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a noise control device (2) comprising a substantially vertical wall element (4), at least one side arm (7) projecting from the wall element (4), and at least one solar module (10) supported by the side arm (7), wherein the side arm (7) laterally supports the wall element (4), wherein the wall element (4) forms a noise control surface (15) above an upper edge (21) of the solar module (10); as well as a noise control system (1) comprising a noise control device (2) of this type and an additional wall element (12) spaced apart from same, which has an additional noise control surface (13) and an additional solar module, wherein a height difference between the lower edge (17) of the solar module (10) of the noise control device (2) and an upper edge (18) of the additional wall element (12) is less than or equal to 0.6 times the horizontal distance between said edges (17, 18), and/or a height difference between a lower edge (19) of the additional solar module and an upper edge (20) of the noise control device (2) is less than or equal to 0.6 times the horizontal distance between said edges (19, 20).