Propagation of uncertainty in HVAC noise prediction

Predictions of noise generated by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems bear uncertainty that can be estimated from the uncertainty associated with each input variable in the source-path-receiver calculation. In this study, the propagation of uncertainties from the measurement of source sound power levels, empirically modeled attenuation, regenerated noise from duct path elements, and receiver room corrections are estimated for a simple duct system example. Additional attention is given to other “known unknowns” in HVAC noise prediction which still remain unaddressed decades after they were first identified. Practical implications of uncertainty are also discussed.