Active Noise Control Module for Power Generation Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial machinery systems, such as power stations, generate excessive noise that needs to be controlled, especially when placed in noise-restricted areas, and existing noise control technologies are inefficient in reducing noise across a wide frequency range without causing significant space or duct pressure-loss.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Active Noise Control (ANC) module units within the air intake or exhaust systems of power generation units, comprising a microphone to detect noise, a control board to process sound signals using pre-determined transfer functions, and speakers or shakers to produce noise-canceling sound waves that cancel out the original noise, allowing for efficient noise reduction across a wide frequency range without relying on large passive noise attenuation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If passive noise attenuation systems are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but the system occupies significant space and causes duct pressure-loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical noise attenuation systems with an active electronic noise control system. The system uses microphones to detect noise, a control board to process signals using transfer functions, and speakers or shakers to generate anti-phase sound waves that cancel the original noise. This substitution eliminates the need for large passive structures while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness across a wide frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If passive noise attenuation systems are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but duct pressure-loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidduct pressure-loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive mechanical noise attenuation systems with an active electronic noise control system. The system uses microphones to detect noise, a control board to process signals using transfer functions, and speakers or shakers to generate anti-phase sound waves that cancel the original noise. This substitution eliminates the need for large passive structures while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness across a wide frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If existing noise control technologies are used, then some noise reduction is achieved, but effectiveness across wide frequency range is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidfrequency range coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic active noise control technology that adapts to different frequency ranges. The control board processes signals from microphones and adjusts the output to speakers or shakers in real-time, allowing the system to effectively reduce noise across a wide frequency range rather than being limited to specific frequencies as in passive systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters dynamically by using transfer functions that characterize the acoustic path between noise sources and sensors. The control board adjusts the anti-noise signals based on these transfer functions, enabling effective noise cancellation across varying frequencies and conditions without requiring physical system changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ANC module units effectively reduce noise levels by producing sound waves opposite in phase to the original noise, achieving efficient noise cancellation without significant space or duct pressure-loss, making the system quieter and more efficient than traditional passive noise abatement methods.

Implementation Method 1

a microphone configured to detect a sound generated by the power generation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrophone detection:

Implementation Method 2

a first speaker configured to deliver a first noise-canceling sound to the air intake or exhaust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

producing sound waves opposite in phase to the original noise, achieving efficient noise cancellation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3234314B1Active noise control system
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3234314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3234314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3234314B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes an Active Noise Control (ANC) module unit configured to be installed within an air intake or exhaust of a power generation unit. The ANC module unit includes an ANC housing shaped to fit within the air intake or exhaust, an ANC core configured to be secured within the ANC housing, which includes a microphone configured to detect a sound generated by the power generation unit, a control board configured to control the noise-canceling sound based on the sound signal from the microphone and a set of pre-determined noise reduction transfer functions, and a first speaker configured to deliver a first noise-canceling sound to the air intake or exhaust.