Identification of noise sources on a residential split-system air-conditioner using sound intensity measurements

This paper presents the results of experimental studies of the noise of a residential split-system air-conditioner unit. The compressor and condenser and associated fans were removed from the unit and did not form part of the studies. Care was taken with the unit to separate the inlet and exhaust noise from the noise radiated from the cabinet. The measurements were made with a two-microphone sound intensity probe and these resulted in sound power level data. The sound power levels produced by radiation from the inlet, exhaust and cabinet were obtained for five different volume flow rates. The effect on the sound power generated by removing the coil was investigated. Measurements and subjective studies show that the low frequency sound is predominantly radiated from the exhaust and inlet. At high frequency, the cabinet noise dominates.