Acoustic Characterization, Monitoring, and Modeling of Noise Emissions from an Electrical Substation: A Literature Review

In recent decades, Brazil has expanded its power grid, a process that has required the construction of extensive transmission lines and large substations. One such substation was recently built in a predominantly rural area. Despite compliance with noise regulations verified through measurement campaigns conducted by environmental agencies, numerous complaints have arisen regarding the noise generated by the facility, indicating possible inadequacies in current assessment methodologies. This literature review is part of a broader research project aimed at supporting the resolution of this issue through long-term field measurements and computational simulations. To substantiate this objective, the review examines existing studies on acoustic monitoring techniques, sound propagation modeling, and the acoustic characterization of noise sources, both in general terms and, primarily, for power substations and transmission lines. Most studies are concentrated in China, focusing on short time periods and limited monitoring points around the noise source or substation. However, there is a lack of methodological standardization, with some studies not even specifying the measurement duration or period. This inconsistency raises concerns about data reliability and underscores the need for more rigorous and comprehensive research to evaluate the noise impact around substations and transmission lines.