More stringent noise emission requirements and advances in noise reduction of other cooling tower components are focusing more attention on the noise emitted by the cooling tower gear drive. This paper discusses a state-of-the-art test system for determining noise and vibration characteristics of right angle cooling tower gear drives. The test system applies torque and axial thrust loads to simulate actual fan loading conditions. System capabilities, data collection techniques, and results of sound power and vibration analysis are presented. The uses of accurate sound and vibration data to improve gear drive design and manufacturing methods are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion of the expected benefits of this testing to the cooling tower industry.
