Noise immission predictions to TA Lärm and DIN ISO 9613‑2 for battery storage systems, transformers and inverters in Germany – from site evaluation to the expert report.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS), inverters and transformers produce continuous noise from ventilation, air conditioning and transformer operation – depending on the mode of operation, also at night.
In the permitting procedure, particularly for BESS projects, it must therefore usually be demonstrated that the immission guide values of the TA Lärm (German Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement) are met at the relevant buildings.
We prepare the assessments for the permitting procedure and also advise you from planning to approval: on the choice of site and components, on queries from the authority and on possible noise control measures.
| Area | day | night |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial areas | 65 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Urban areas | 63 dB(A) | 45 dB(A) |
| Core, village and mixed areas | 60 dB(A) | 45 dB(A) |
| General residential areas, small settlement areas | 55 dB(A) | 40 dB(A) |
| Purely residential areas | 50 dB(A) | 35 dB(A) |
| Spa areas, hospitals, nursing homes | 45 dB(A) | 35 dB(A) |
Source: TA Lärm No. 6.1. Night-time: 10 pm to 6 am.
The site evaluation determines whether a simplified prediction is sufficient or a detailed prediction is required.
Relevant immission points, area classification to TA Lärm, check for noise emission quotas and an approximate estimate of the levels.
Result: statement with levels at each immission point, margin to the guide value and a recommendation for the next steps.
If: levels clearly below the guide values, no noise emission quotas, no existing noise load
Calculation to TA Lärm Annex A.2.4.3 with simplified sound propagation and conservative assumptions.
Advantage: less effort, shorter processing time and lower costs. The A-weighted sound power level is sufficient as manufacturer data.
If: small margin to the guide value, noise emission quotas, existing noise load or requirement of the authority
Frequency-dependent propagation calculation to DIN ISO 9613‑2 in a 3D model with terrain, buildings and screening.
| Criterion | Simplified prediction | Detailed prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Effort and costs | low | higher (3D model, frequency-dependent calculation) |
| Manufacturer data required | A-weighted sound power level | sound power level, preferably as an octave-band spectrum |
| Margin to the guide value | clearly below | small or exceeded |
| Noise emission quotas (DIN 45691) | none | present |
| Existing noise load from other installations | not relevant | to be taken into account |
| Terrain, screening, reflections | no influence on the result | required for the evidence |
| Noise control measures | not required | effect to be demonstrated |
| Requirement of the authority | – | propagation calculation required |
Where necessary and possible, we set out solutions that make the project approvable and demonstrate their effect by calculation:
Verification to DIN 45691 for sites in commercial and industrial areas.
Matching the measurement report to the planned unit, measurement to DIN EN ISO 3744/3746.
Assessment to DIN 45681 and DIN 45680, for example for transformers.
Technical statements on queries from the approval authority.
Review of third-party noise assessments for completeness, plausibility and conformity with standards.
Measurement concept where the permit requires an acceptance measurement.
Evaluation of several sites and minimum distances for site selection.
For PV projects with storage, also the glare assessment.
Battery storage systems, inverters and transformers produce continuous noise. The authority has to verify whether the immission guide values of the TA Lärm (German Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement) are met at the neighbouring buildings – by day and above all at night. The noise assessment provides this evidence.
The simplified prediction (TA Lärm Annex A.2.4.3) uses simplified sound propagation and conservative assumptions – with less effort, but only where there is sufficient margin to the guide value. The detailed prediction calculates in frequency bands according to DIN ISO 9613‑2, taking terrain, buildings and screening into account, and is required when the margin is small or mitigation measures have to be demonstrated.
This is exactly what the site evaluation clarifies. It shows the margin to the guide value at each immission point and recommends the appropriate assessment. A detailed prediction is only prepared if a simplified one is not sufficient.
This depends on the type of area at the immission point (TA Lärm No. 6.1). In a general residential area, for example, 55 dB(A) applies by day and 40 dB(A) at night. We classify each immission point with documented evidence and, to be on the safe side, also calculate against the next stricter category.
We then show which measures make the project approvable – such as quieter equipment, night-time operation at reduced power, a different layout or a noise barrier – and demonstrate their effect by calculation.
Usually two to three weeks after receipt of complete documents. If it is urgent, please contact us.
We need a site plan showing the noise sources, the manufacturers' data sheets and noise measurement reports, information on operation by day and at night and, if known, the area classification of the immission points (e.g. purely residential area, mixed area). Once we have received your enquiry, we will help you put together the documents required.
Use the form, call us on +49 4103 121 4221 or write to kontakt@sonnwinn.de – whichever suits you best.
You do not need to attach documents to your enquiry – once we have received it, we will help you put together the documents required.
