David Porter and Ted Pyper, PE, INCE Bd Cert, acoustic experts from Salas O’Brien, recently presented at INCE’s Noise-Con 2023 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their paper, “Assessing Challenges Due to HVAC Design Constraints and Their Effects on VAV Terminal Unit Noise – Lessons Learned from Recent Projects,” shared insights from their latest work.

The paper discussed how challenging projects, such as HVAC system renovations and restrictions on certain materials and equipment, reveal that manufacturers’ data can sometimes fall short. Pyper and Porter used numerous project examples to explore various factors contributing to these issues. They emphasized the importance of in-field testing, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. Key lessons included the necessity of collaborating with mechanical engineers for accurate system settings, refining assumptions about system pressure drops and manufacturers’ data, and recognizing projects that need extra scrutiny when using this data.

David Porter, a designer at Salas O’Brien, focuses on acoustics and noise control. He holds a bachelor’s degree in audio and music engineering from the University of Rochester.

Ted Pyper, a Senior Vice President at Salas O’Brien, specializes in architectural acoustics, noise, and vibration control across diverse projects. His expertise extends to computer room modeling and environmental noise analysis. He earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University.

Collaboration within the design team on the parameters that affect HVAC noise levels is crucial, and can prevent noise issues post-construction.
David PorterSenior Designer, Acoustics

About INCE

The Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA enables a quieter world through education, awareness, advocacy, and technical advancement. INCE-USA is a non-profit organization of professional Noise Control Engineers, incorporated in Washington, DC.

About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for the past ten years on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.

For more details or to set up an interview, please contact Stacy Lake, Director of Corporate Communications.

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