Review of Test Procedures for the Characterisation of the Acoustics Properties of Alternative Ventilation Ducts

In recent years there has been a surge in the use of alternative ducts for residential ventilation in lieu of galvanized steel ducting. This is mainly owed to cost, installation and other practical benefits afforded by alternative ducts. However, to date there is no information on the acoustic characteristics for these types of ducts to enable accurate prediction of noise transfers for such systems. This lack of reliable information often leads practitioners to make crude estimations or base their calculations on galvanized ducting acoustic data. These approximations can result in over attenuated designs which use unnecessary silencers introducing additional cost, regenerated noise and inefficiency. Designs that result in under attenuated systems will require costly retrospective mitigation measures. The ongoing research aims to fill that knowledge gap by characterising the acoustic properties of alternative ventilation ducts as used for the residential ventilation systems. In a prelaminar review of the literature, no harmonised and verified methodology was found for testing the acoustic performance of ventilation ducts and their systems elements. As a part of the research, a thorough review and analysis of all current testing methodologies used in the industry and in research is being carried out. The review involves an industry wide consultation to learn the different aspects of test methodologies employed. This will enable the development of a robust industry-accepted and standardised test methodology. A brief literature review and analysis of relevant test methodologies and procedures will be presented as well as results from the industry wide consultation