A history of ASHRAE-sponsored acoustics research

The American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers has had a long history of supporting research into all aspects of building systems and their effects on occupants and the environment. This effort started in 1959 and just a few years later, in 1965, the industry benefitted from Uno Ingard's work titled Noise Generation in Ducts, the first of many projects that looked at acoustic effects found in heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. Since that first research report, there have been over two dozen research projects that have contributed to our understanding of HVAC noise. ASHRAE continues to fund research with 37 projects currently in progress worth over $5 million combined including two projects that will add further to our database of knowledge. This presentation will provide a summary overview of the various research projects over the last 60 years and how they have impacted HVAC systems and acoustical design.