UC research set to cut noise levels on frosty vineyards
Published by Communications and Development
18 February 2009
UC engineers are helping those living close to vineyards sleep a little easier.
Dr John Pearse and the Acoustics Research Group (Mechanical Engineering) have been developing a new low-noise, high-performance blade to reduce the noise from frost reduction wind machines in vineyards.
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Dr Michael Kingan (front) looks at a wind machine blade with research engineer Brian Donohue (back left) and Dr John Pearse.
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“The noise has been a very contentious issue for neighbouring residents, so we have worked to reduce the noise levels of the wind machines.”
Currently, FMR Group Ltd imports wind machines from the US that are placed among vines to help prevent frost at the critical grape bud stage. The wind machines, which are spaced at one per six hectares, draw down the warmer air above the ground preventing cooler air from settling and causing frost damage.
One frost could destroy an entire crop making the wind machines very important, Dr Pearse said. “But so too are the people who live nearby.”
By measuring and analysing the noise from the existing wind machines in the vineyards and in the mechanical engineering labs, Dr Pearse and the research group came up with a prototype blade that reduced the noise by 10 decibels, and that was significant, he said.
“The motor was easy to cut noise down on, but we have had to redesign the blades.”
The two-year research project carried out with FMR Group has resulted in a new six metre blade that is much wider and has a more aerodynamic shape compared with the aluminium blades currently used which are of the same length. The new blades are constructed from composites.
“We have now tested the new blades, verified that they produce more thrust, checked out UC research set to cut noise levels on frosty vineyards the noise levels, addressed the mechanical design and have made the prototypes. We have increased the air-moving performance as well as cutting the noise by 50 per cent.”
The new technology has created an opportunity to retrofit existing machines with the new blades, which was exciting, Dr Pearse said. “Hopefully they will become standard as they will be much quieter, which makes everyone happy.”
Currently, there are two prototype machines operating at a vineyard in Marlborough and Dr Pearse is working with the Marlborough District Council to verify noise levels before the 2009 frost season starts.
“We are very positive about the contribution we can make to the environment in Marlborough as well as helping the FMR Group provide growers with improved equipment.”
For further information please contact:
Jane Lucas
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2987 ext 6072
jane.lucas@canterbury.ac.nz