The effect of the accumulation of noise from heat pumps in neighbourhoods in The Netherlands
For many districts in The Netherlands, an all-electric heat pump has been selected by the municipality as the future mode for heating dwellings. Municipalities want to prevent the transition to individual heat pumps from leading to noise pollution. However, at this time, data on the cumulative noise impact at district levels is lacking. In this paper and the accompanying report, the research into the cumulative noise impact at the district level, because of the outdoor units of heat pumps will be presented. The research was conducted on behalf of the National Program Local Heat Transition (NPLW) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This study provides insight into the noise impact of heat pumps and the circumstances that increase this impact. Acoustic 3D simulation models were used in which common Dutch neighbourhoods were modelled. Within the models, the heat pumps were placed at various positions near the homes (including the front garden, on the facade, on the roof, in the back garden, on top of and behind the shed). The effect of the accumulation of noise within the neighbourhood, as a result of the operation of all heat pumps, was mapped. The results are presented as acoustic heat maps. The effect of acoustic enclosures was also taken into account as was the ambient noise level. The results show that some installation positions for heat pumps are acoustically more favourable and are preferred, while other positions are possible if additional measures are taken. In addition to the results presented in this paper, the data and an English translation of the report presented in The Netherlands, will be available on the website of the IEA HPT Annex 63. This allows other researchers, policy officers and professionals to access the information and utilize it for their own studies or policy making