FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS WAVEBREAKER REALLY?

It is a "noise trap" which uses the noise waves from the noise source, e.g. the train, and within 3 ms transmits the anti-waves towards and across the original source waves going above the noise screen. By that, it creates an interference sound field above and behind the noise screen where it is placed, resulting in a lower noise than without Wavebreaker.

WHAT IS DIFFRACTION?

Diffraction is a name for the effects that occur across the crest of the noise shield, which reduces the noise shielding effect. Wavebreaker is installed on the edge of noise screens and can be considered a kind of diffraction device. Wavebreaker is the only diffraction attenuator available that uses interference technology.

WHAT IS INTERFERENCE SOUND DAMPING?

Interference is the phenomenon where two waves combine and add their displacements with respect to their phase difference. This results in either constructive or destructive interference in a narrowband fashion. By using a smart frequency distribution and an "equalizing" acoustic reflector box, Wavebreaker amplifies the destructive effect of acoustic disturbances. By using Wavebreaker on top of noise shields, the diffraction is counteracted with the result of lower total noise on the receiver side.

HOW CAN WAVEBREAKER IMPROVE THE SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PROJECT?

Wavebreaker can be an option instead of a higher noise screen (up to 2 m). If you build your noise protection barrier in e.g. concrete or wood, the total sustainability effect over 40 years will be at up to 30% better using Wavebreaker instead of building a higher wall, mainly due to much less material used.

CAN WAVEBREAKER BE USED FOR ALL KIND OF TRAFFIC NOISE?

The product was at first optimized for train traffic and analyses later on show potential for road traffic noise. We hope to find interested clients and together learn more about the potential. We are very keen on using Wavebreaker where it can be effective and for the right purpose.

CAN A NOISE DAMPING EFFECT BE GUARANTEED?

Wavebreaker is a new product with big potential to be a useful additional noise damper in many cases. Our knowledge is mainly based on controled-environment measurements in laboratory and a pilot project from an urban environment in Stockholm, with influencing parameters as noise screen quality, multiple reflections etc and simulations. Each project has a unique set of conditions and we are eager to learn more and further develop our knowledge and experience. 

HOW FAR AWAY FROM WAVEBREAKER CAN A NOISE DAMPING EFFECT BE SEEN?

Our best conclusions at this time are that it is possible to achieve and measure significant noise reduction results up to at least 25-50m from the source. Measuring a noise reduction up to 50-100 m is complicated and therefore we have performed simulations that show good results. Since it's a new product, we don't have all the answers, but we hope to keep learning more from real projects. (It is well known that beyond 100 m, the sound dampening effect of any kind of noise barriers or similar products is highly dependent on wind and weather conditions.)

DOES WAVEBREAKER DEMAND ACCESS TO ELECTRICITY?

No. Wavebreaker is completely "passive". It uses only the energy from the noise source sound field to create anti-sound waves.

IS IT THAT WISE TO PRODUCE WAVEBREAKER IN PLASTICS?

We think it's a very good idea! In order to meet the goals of a light-weight and cost-effective part with long lifetime, and at the same time avoid the need for grounding of a metal part, it was a natural choice. From an environmental point of view we use up to 100% recycled material and Wavebreaker can easily be recycled again. The development of recycling and BIO-plastics goes very fast and is in our favour.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE SINGLE PARTS?

If single parts need to be replaced due to vandalism or other reasons, this part can easily be dismounted and replaced by a new one. Wavebreaker is a modular system.