Noise sensors and noise measurement
15. March 2024 12 min reading

Noise Sensors and Noise Measurement: The Complete Guide to Intelligent Sound Monitoring

Gain insight into how modern noise sensors are revolutionizing noise measurement and monitoring. Learn about the technology behind it, areas of application, and how SmartSenso's advanced solutions help companies and municipalities document, control, and reduce noise levels.

See the Noise Sensor in Action

Live Demonstration

Our noise sensors constantly monitor sound levels and send data in real time. See how the sensor detects changes in noise levels and sends instant notifications.

  • Precise noise measurement

    Measures sound levels with high precision in dB

  • Real-time notifications

    Immediate notification when limit values ​​are exceeded

65dB

Noise level

65 dB

Moderate noise level

Moderate

Noise Sensors: A Technological Revolution in Sound Monitoring

In a world where noise increasingly affects our health, productivity and quality of life, accurate noise measurement has become a crucial tool for businesses, municipalities and institutions. SmartSenso's advanced noise sensors represent a technological quantum leap compared to traditional methods of noise measurement.

Our intelligent sensors don't just measure sound levels in decibels (dB) - they analyze patterns, identify sound sources, and provide actionable insights that can be used to make data-driven decisions about noise reduction and control.

Key benefits of modern noise sensors

  • Continuous 24/7 monitoring with precision of ±0.5 dB
  • Real-time notifications when limit values ​​are exceeded
  • Advanced frequency analysis to identify noise sources
  • Weatherproof construction for outdoor use (IP67 certified)

Tekniske egenskaber

  • 5+ year battery life with intelligent power management
  • Secure, encrypted data transmission
  • GDPR-compliant data processing
  • Measuring range: 30-120 dB with frequency response 20Hz-20kHz

The technology behind modern noise sensors

SmartSenso's noise sensors combine advanced microphones with digital signal processing and machine learning algorithms to deliver accurate, reliable measurements in all conditions.

Core components of our noise sensors

High-precision microphones

Calibrated to capture the entire audible frequency spectrum (20Hz-20kHz) with high accuracy.

Digital signal processor (DSP)

Converts sound waves into digital data and performs frequency analysis in real time.

edge computing

Local data processing reduces data transmission and ensures fast response.

Machine learning algorithms

Identifies and classifies different types of noise and filters out background noise.

Areas of application for noise sensors

Noise sensors find application in a wide range of sectors where accurate noise measurement and control is essential for regulatory compliance, environmental protection or optimization of working and learning environments.

Construction sites and construction work

Construction sites are one of the primary sources of noise pollution in urban areas. SmartSenso's noise sensors help contractors to:

  • Document compliance with local noise limits and environmental requirements
  • Schedule noisy activities during the least disruptive times
  • Respond proactively to potential complaints from neighbors
  • Optimize work processes to minimize noise pollution

Case: Large construction contractor

A leading Danish construction contractor implemented SmartSenso's noise sensors on 12 construction sites in densely populated areas. The results after 6 months:

85%

reduction in neighbor complaints about noise

100%

compliance with noise limits during inspections

  • Better planning of noisy activities reduced conflicts with the surroundings
  • Documentation of noise levels provided legal certainty in potential complaints
  • Improved working environment for employees through deliberate noise reduction

Traffic monitoring and urban planning

Traffic noise is one of the most prevalent forms of environmental noise in urban areas. SmartSenso's noise sensors provide urban planners and environmental authorities with valuable data to:

  • Mapping noise pollution in different urban areas
  • Evaluate the effect of noise reduction measures such as noise barriers and speed limits
  • Develop evidence-based strategies for noise reduction in urban planning
  • Document compliance with EU noise directives and national limit values

Case: Copenhagen Municipality

A Copenhagen municipality installed SmartSenso's noise sensors along several main roads to document noise pollution and evaluate the effect of various noise reduction measures. The data was used to:

  • Identify the most noisy areas and times
  • Measure the effect of new low-noise asphalt (reduction of 4-6 dB)
  • Document the effect of speed reductions (reduction of 2-3 dB when lowering from 50 to 40 km/h)
  • Prioritize the placement of new noise barriers based on actual data

Industry and production environments

In industrial environments, noise monitoring is essential for both occupational health and environmental compliance. SmartSenso's noise sensors help manufacturing companies to:

  • Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation requirements for noise exposure
  • Identify particularly noisy machines or processes that require noise reduction
  • Document compliance with the noise requirements of the environmental approval
  • Optimize production planning to minimize noise nuisance for neighbors

Advanced features in modern noise sensors

Frequency analysis

Modern noise sensors can analyze different frequency ranges separately, providing much more detailed insight into the nature and sources of noise. This is particularly valuable for:

  • Identification of specific noise sources (e.g. machinery, traffic, human activity)
  • Measurement of low-frequency noise, which is often particularly annoying
  • Adaptation of noise reduction measures to specific frequency ranges

AI-based noise analysis

SmartSenso's latest generation of noise sensors uses advanced AI algorithms to:

  • Distinguish between different types of noise sources (e.g. cars, trains, construction activity)
  • Filter out irrelevant sounds (e.g. wind, rain) for more accurate measurements
  • Predict noise patterns based on historical data and current conditions

Legislation and standards for noise measurement

Noise measurement is subject to a number of international and national standards that ensure consistent and comparable measurements. SmartSenso's noise sensors are designed to comply with these standards, including:

  • IEC 61672

    International standard for sound level meters, defining accuracy classes and test procedures

  • ISO 1996

    Standard for description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise

  • EU Noise Directive (2002/49/EC)

    European Directive on the assessment and management of environmental noise

  • Danish guidelines and limit values

    The Danish Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines for different types of noise (industry, traffic, construction)

Compliance with these standards ensures that the measurements from SmartSenso's noise sensors are legally valid and can be used as documentation before authorities and in any disputes.

The future of noise measurement: Trends and developments

Noise measurement technology is evolving rapidly, and SmartSenso is at the forefront of implementing the latest innovations. Some of the most important trends in noise measurement of the future include:

AI and machine learning

Increasingly advanced algorithms will enable even more precise identification of noise sources and better filtering of background noise.

IoT integration

Deeper integration with other IoT devices and Smart City platforms will provide a more holistic view of the urban environment and the impact of noise.

Acoustic camera technology

Combining noise sensors with acoustic cameras will enable visual localization of noise sources through advanced sound visualization.

How to choose the right noise sensor

Choosing the right noise sensor depends on several factors, including application, environmental conditions, and specific measurement needs. Here are some important considerations:

Key factors when choosing a noise sensor

Measuring range and accuracy

Choose a sensor with a measurement range that covers the expected noise levels and with sufficient accuracy for the purpose.

Environmental conditions

Consider whether the sensor will be used indoors or outdoors and choose a model with the appropriate IP rating.

Power supply and battery life

Consider whether the sensor should be battery-powered or connected to mains power, and how long the battery life is needed.

Data processing and integration

Explore options for data export, API integration, and compatibility with existing systems.

SmartSenso offers a wide range of noise sensors that can be adapted to different needs and applications. Our experts are happy to help you find the optimal solution for your specific project.

Conclusion: The future of audio monitoring is intelligent

Modern noise sensors represent a quantum leap in our ability to measure, analyze and manage noise in our surroundings. With SmartSenso's advanced solutions, you not only get precise measurements, but also valuable insights and actionable recommendations that can be used to create better and healthier sound environments.

Whether you are a municipality working with noise mapping, a contractor that must comply with noise limits, or a company that wants to ensure a good working environment, SmartSenso's noise sensors can give you the insight and documentation you need.

Get started with intelligent noise measurement

Contact SmartSenso today for a no-obligation chat about how our noise sensors can help you gain control over the noise levels in your surroundings.