Noise barriers for battery energy storage (BESS): acoustic protection for consentable storage projects.

Battery storage sites are often built close to housing, commercial areas or farmsteads, where they can quickly come into conflict with the immission limits of TA Lärm (Germany's technical noise regulations). Cooling units, inverters and transformers produce continuous noise that has to be demonstrably limited in the consenting process. With RAU BESS noise protection systems, we supply highly absorbent, planted walls that screen the noise close to its source while blending into their surroundings. The planting at the foot of the wall needs no irrigation. From our base in Kaufbeuren, we support developers, operators and local authorities from design through installation to aftercare, with our own service teams.

Why BESS projects can fail on noise

In the consenting process, storage sites are assessed against the immission limits of TA Lärm, and night-time operation in particular decides whether many projects are feasible. Container fans and cooling systems keep running at night, when the permissible levels at the nearest housing are considerably lower than during the day. An acoustic assessment for noise barriers shows early on which receptor points will be tight and which wall heights and lengths are actually needed. On that basis, we size RAU BESS noise protection systems so that the screening takes effect where it is needed. Our highly absorbent wall systems avoid reflections onto neighbouring properties, something reflective structures of concrete or glass cannot achieve. At design stage, we supply specification texts, construction drawings and the planting plan from a single source, so developers can submit noise protection as a resolved element of the planning application. This shortens discussions with the authorities, reduces requests for further information and keeps the grid connection timetable free of acoustic surprises. It also keeps the storage site on the safe side if the surrounding area is developed further later on.

Planted noise protection that suits an energy project

Battery storage stands for the energy transition, and its noise protection should not undermine that. RAU Klimawand R3 is filled with granular mineral material, usually processed recycled crushed stone; where excavated soil on the site is suitable, we use it and save haulage. The wall stays stable in volume and long-lasting, and KlimAktiv has prepared a Climate Handprint for it. Planting takes place at the foot of the wall and relies on natural rainfall, so no irrigation system is ever needed. Where absorption requirements are particularly high, for example between rows of containers or at the grid connection point, we use the highly absorbent RAU BESS noise protection systems from our system range. Operators decide whether we build the installation in full or supply it as a kit for a specialist contractor. After completion, our service teams can take care of inspection and maintenance on request, so that performance and appearance are maintained throughout the operating life.