Optimization of control source locations in an active noise control application of axial cooling fans using genetic algorithms

By placing control sources in the near field, global attenuation of an axial cooling fan’s blade passage frequency and harmonics can be achieved using active noise control. The optimal position of control sources when modeling a fan, whose characteristics differ significantly from a single monopole source or when modeling more than one fan, will be discussed. The number of control sources, as well as position of control sources, are optimized for specific primary source configurations using genetic algorithms. Source strength of control sources are calculated analytically to minimize radiated sound power. The results of optimization using different forms of genetic algorithms will be presented and compared. The results obtained from the genetic algorithms will be compared to experimental results using multiple sources.