Active noise control for global broadband noise attenuation in a cylindrical cavity using Modal FxLMS algorithm

Noise reduction is very important for cavities such as long ventilation ducts, and train and airplane cabins. This paper seeks to develop, design, and implement an active noise control system to globally reduce narrowband and broadband acoustic noises inside a cylindrical cavity using the Modal FxLMS algorithm along with canceling the feedback effect of the actuator on the reference microphone. In addition, the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is compared to the conventional FxLMS algorithm for broadband noises in terms of acoustic potential energy and energy consumption of the actuators. To this end, the natural frequencies and mode shapes are derived using experimental methods and finite element simulation, and the results are compared. The modal data are used to design and implement a modal filter. The filter output is fed to the Modal FxLMS algorithm as the error signal for updating controller coefficients. Due to the presence of a reference microphone for the proposed algorithm and the effect of the control loudspeaker, it is required to remove the feedback effect. An experimental setup is developed, and an FPGA board and LabVIEW software are adopted to implement and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The results indicate that the controller could effectively attenuate the narrowband and broadband acoustic noises globally. Furthermore, although the conventional FxLMS algorithm can suppress the noise around acoustic modes, it produces a larger control signal than the Modal FxLMS algorithm and consumes more energy.