Noise immission forecast for the expansion of the Lubmin substation
For more than ten years, Müller-BBM Industry Solutions has been supporting the progressive expansion of the Lubmin substation operated by 50Hertz Transmission GmbH. Within the scope of the expansion to connect offshore wind farms, we prepared noise immission forecasts for various stages of the expansion as part of the licensing process under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) and carried out measurements to determine the noise emissions from individual plant components, such as transformers.
At a glance
| Client: | 50Hertz Transmission GmbH |
| Branche: | Energy supply / Electricity grid operation |
| Object: | Lubmin substation |
| Expertise: |
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| Location & period: | Lubmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 2014 - 2025 |
Initial situation
The Lubmin substation is one of the key network hubs for integrating offshore wind energy into the German transmission grid. As offshore grid connections have been continuously expanded, the site has been extended and technically upgraded over several project phases. This has included, among other things, additional transformers, compensation chokes, C-type filters and STATCOM systems, as well as the replacement of existing components.
Mission
Müller-BBM Industry Solutions assisted 50Hertz Transmission GmbH with the planning and assessment of various expansion and modernisation measures at the Lubmin site. This included measurements at existing installations, the design of necessary noise control measures, and the preparation of sound immission forecasts in accordance with TA Lärm for approval procedures. This enabled the substation extensions to be approved, and compliance with the requirements for the surrounding residential areas to be demonstrated.
Chronology
2014/2015
First major expansion for offshore grid connection
As part of the expansion of the Lubmin substation to connect further offshore wind farms, we assisted 50Hertz Transmission GmbH by providing a sound immission forecast for the planned expanded configuration. The noise immissions from additional transformers, compensation chokes, a C-type filter and a STATCOM were assessed. The study showed that the requirements of the Technical Instructions on Noise Control (TA Lärm) would certainly be met following the expansion and confirmed that the project was eligible for approval from an acoustic perspective.
2015
Acoustic assessment of the 220 kV C-type filter system
For the planned 220 kV C-type filter system at the Lubmin substation, Müller-BBM Industry Solutions produced a sound immission forecast and, following completion, supported the project by carrying out a sound emission measurement for the planners and supplier of 50Hertz Transmission GmbH. This demonstrated that the sub-system complied with the requirements agreed upon between the manufacturer and the operator.
2019
Acoustic support for the “Lub 2.0” expansion
For the second phase “Lub 2.0” of the expansion, a sound immission forecast was prepared for the expansion of the Lubmin substation (additional transformers, compensation chokes, C-type filters and a STATCOM system). The investigations showed that, provided the necessary noise control measures are implemented, all requirements will be met. This demonstrated that the project was eligible for approval from an acoustic perspective.
2019
Noise measurements following complaints from local residents
Following complaints about humming noises in Spandowerhagen, we carried out a technical noise assessment of the Lubmin substation. For this purpose, the noise emissions from the transformers and compensation chokes were recorded, and the noise levels at the relevant residential locations were calculated. The results showed that the requirements of the Technical Instructions on Noise Control (TA Lärm) and the approved noise levels were met or significantly undercut at all relevant points-of-interest.
2024
Replacement of existing compensation chokes
As part of the modernisation of the substation, plans were drawn up to replace the existing compensation chokes with a new three-pole 380-kV compensation choke. Müller-BBM Industry Solutions assessed the acoustic impact of the project by means of a noise immission forecast in accordance with TA Lärm. The forecast showed that noise levels would remain well below the relevant immission guide values and that no significant impact from low-frequency noise is to be expected.
2025
Optimisation of the final phase of development by means of a new 380 kV compensation choke
In a further phase of development, we investigated the acoustic impacts of a new 380 kV compensation choke, which replaces the existing and originally planned reserve reactors. The investigation confirmed compliance with all approved immission limits and showed that immission levels were well below the guideline values at the surrounding residential locations. No critical impacts were identified with regard to low-frequency noise or potential noise peaks.
Result
For more than ten years, Müller-BBM Industry Solutions provided support with the acoustic planning and approval process for the various expansion phases of the Lubmin substation. All expansion and operational scenarios examined met the applicable requirements of the Technical Instructions on Noise Control (TA Lärm). This ensured that the offshore grid connections were acoustically validated and successfully implemented.