For many business owners and project managers, one of the biggest concerns about investing in a generator has been the noise control. 

Noise pollution is a real problem in many parts of the world and, like air pollution, it can have negative effects on the people it reaches. 

But just as carbon emissions have been dramatically reduced in the last few decades due to engineering improvements and stricter regulations, modern sound attenuation technology is now able to reduce much of the engine noise emitted when a generator set is running thanks to the use of an exhaust silencer. 

Depending on your facility’s environment, the application, and local ordinances, you may require an advanced level of silencing, or minimal sound dampening may suffice. 

If a new generator set is of an open configuration, it typically will not come with a silencer, but many manufacturers offer them as accessories. Generator sets that are packaged in an enclosure would include a silencer of sorts. Use the following info to learn about the different  types of generator silencers available today and whether adding a silencer to your genset is worthwhile.

Generator silencers come in a wide variety of designs that vary in the way they work, their size and shape, and a few other features. The main types are:

• Reactive silencers, mute sound by bouncing it around inside one or multiple chambers. This design works best for low to moderate noise level demands.
• Absorptive silencers are used in more demanding environments and have a greater sound attenuation rating.
• Reactive/absorptive silencers combine the mechanics of each style into one model with the chamber(s) lined with insulation.
• Resonator silencers are a less common type, designed to cause less back pressure and are less effective in sound attenuation.

Among these types, silencers in cylinder, disc, and rectangle shapes are very common, with inlets and outlets able to be located on both sides (Side-in, Side-out), both ends (End-in, End-out), or one side and one end (Side-in, End out or End-in, Side-out) to work with your system.

Cylinders are a cost-effective option with the flexibility to be installed either horizontally or vertically, while discs and rectangles are preferred where space is limited, such as inside a sound-attenuated enclosure.

Some heat recovery systems and exhaust heat exchangers qualify as silencers known as heat recovery silencers because they reduce sound while capturing much of the energy that would otherwise be given off as heat. This energy can then be used as a heat supply for other external equipment, making the system both quieter and increasing efficiency.

Catalytic silencers tackle the problems of both carbon emissions and noise emission at the same time by incorporating sound attenuation into the catalytic conversion system required to meet Tier IV EPA emissions standards. Visit our page on generator tier ratings to learn more.