Wake-induced variations in noise levels and amplitude modulation for two interacting wind turbines

The influence of turbine-turbine interactions on sound propagation is investigated using numerical simulations. Three configurations are examined: turbines aligned downstream of each other, placed side by side, and arranged in a staggered pattern. The simulation framework combines large-eddy simulations for aerodynamic interactions, an aeroacoustic source model to simulate turbine sound emission, and parabolic equation methods for sound propagation. When a second turbine is positioned directly downstream, wake-induced flow focusing enhances sound pressure levels (SPLs) and amplitude modulation (AM) by several decibels downwind. In side-by-side and staggered configurations, SPL increases are limited (<2 dBA), and AM is generally reduced because of spatial averaging. Distinct AM patterns emerge in regions where acoustic contributions from both turbines are comparable. For identical rotor speeds, AM is strongly affected by the angular offset between rotors. When rotor speeds differ slightly, beating effects occur, resulting in intermittent AM. These findings highlight the sensitivity of AM to rotor dynamics, a key factor influencing sound perception, with implications for environmental impact and turbine siting.