Generator noise

SoundGuy wrote:

bnkwhite wrote:
Has anyone been successful in using something to help quite the noise your generator makes? Mine is onboard in a compartment. I'm thinking along the lines of a sound dampening blanket or something.

I recently built a generator noise reduction box for my Honda EU2000i that was based on a similar design by forum member jauguston that proved to be very effective in minimizing generator noise. For reasons of economy I used Reflectix I already had on hand to line my box and while it did serve the purpose there's no question the results would have been even better had I used a purpose designed material such as this noise control barrier available from marine supply stores such as West Marine. Since you're not actually building a box but merely wanting to improve an existing generator enclosure I'd suggest this is the type of product you should consider using.

That is one impressive generator enclosure!


Mike

Gjac wrote:
If you have enough space any insulation will deaden sound but from a thickness DB reduction lead sheeting works the best. When I worked on commercial helicopters we looked at and tested a number of products closed cell foams, HC core, acoustic core etc and found .050 thick lead worked the best to reduce passenger noise. You also have to consider the noise coming out of the tail pipe and determine which is greater the noise inside due to the eng or the exhaust noise. I added 6 ins of blankets and pillows on top of the my genset cover which is under the bed and although it did reduce the sound, the sound of the AC is much louder the running the genset.

The lead was probably reducing the vibration of the surface the lead was applied to - thus reducing noise. Similar to what we use in cars - dynamat. I'm not so sure how well lead does absorbing sound. An enclosure (if it were thin like sheet metal) could be lined with dynamat or similar product so the enclosure itself does not produce sound, and then also lined with an aborption material as well. Probably overkill.

JiminDenver wrote:
We run a small window shaker off of the solar so we still don't listen to a generator.

What's a window shaker?

If you have enough space any insulation will deaden sound but from a thickness DB reduction lead sheeting works the best. When I worked on commercial helicopters we looked at and tested a number of products closed cell foams, HC core, acoustic core etc and found .050 thick lead worked the best to reduce passenger noise. You also have to consider the noise coming out of the tail pipe and determine which is greater the noise inside due to the eng or the exhaust noise. I added 6 ins of blankets and pillows on top of the my genset cover which is under the bed and although it did reduce the sound, the sound of the AC is much louder the running the genset.

bnkwhite wrote:
Has anyone been successful in using something to help quite the noise your generator makes? Mine is onboard in a compartment. I'm thinking along the lines of a sound dampening blanket or something.

I recently built a generator noise reduction box for my Honda EU2000i that was based on a similar design by forum member jauguston that proved to be very effective in minimizing generator noise. For reasons of economy I used Reflectix I already had on hand to line my box and while it did serve the purpose there's no question the results would have been even better had I used a purpose designed material such as this noise control barrier available from marine supply stores such as West Marine. Since you're not actually building a box but merely wanting to improve an existing generator enclosure I'd suggest this is the type of product you should consider using.

Could you share what generator and RV you have? Other Forum members with the same may have done this already.

The OP asked about quieting his generator noise, NOT alternative means of cooling. I assume that the OP is aware of Solar, Wind, etc.

kellertx5er wrote:

JiminDenver wrote:
I used solar to quiet mine. Works great. :)

Wont't help you in July/Aug in TX, LA, AL, FL, etc. :(

I suppose that depends on who you are. I grew up in Michigan which is as hot and muggy in the summer as anywhere. We didn't have AC at home, in the car or while camping. Even when I do run ours here you will find me out in the shade, not cooped up in a box.

We run a small window shaker off of the solar so we still don't listen to a generator. It wont run at night, then again I didn't know there were campgrounds that let you run a generator 24 hours. I think I'd stay home or at least find hook ups in that situation.

JiminDenver wrote:
I used solar to quiet mine. Works great. :)

Wont't help you in July/Aug in TX, LA, AL, FL, etc. :(

A Venturi Pipe will help get some noise level above your roofline.