PNNL

Abstract

In this study, we characterize the sound generated by a cross-flow riverine turbine in the Kvichak River near Igiugig, Alaska, United States. To do this, we follow the International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) technical specification for characterization of the acoustic emissions from marine energy converters. The results indicate that turbine sound at the measurement locations was not predicted to be harmful to marine mammals. Results also provide insight into the acoustic characteristics of current energy converters and the complex acoustic propagation in rivers.