Conventional real-time active noise control (ANC) usually employs the adaptive filtered-x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm to approach optimum coefficients for the control filter. However, lengthy training is usually required, and the perceived noise reduction is not immediately realized. Motivated by the practical implementation, we propose a selective fixed-filter active noise control (SFANC) algorithm, which selects a pre-trained control filter to attenuate the detected primary noise rapidly. On top of improved robustness, the complexity analysis reveals that SFANC appears to be more efficient. The SFANC algorithm chooses the most suitable control filter based on the frequency-band-match approach implemented in a partitioned frequency-domain filter. Through simulations, SFANC is shown to exhibit a satisfactory response time and steady-state noise reduction performance, even for time-varying noise and real non-stationary disturbance.

Output saturation, mainly caused by the power amplifier, is a critical issue influencing the performance and stability of an adaptive system, such as in active noise control. In this paper, a quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP) is defined to achieve optimal control under the averaging-output-power constraint, which ensures the output of the system operates linearly and hence, avoids the output saturation. To solve this QCQP problem recursively in practice, this paper utilizes one of the leaky-based filtered-x least mean square algorithm with an optimal leak factor. However, this method only can be applied when the statistical feature of the control signal with maximum output-power is known, which is difficult to obtain in practice. Hence, by incorporating the adaptive inverse modeling technique, we can derive a practical estimation of the optimal leaky factor, which is applicable to different noise types. Furthermore, as the optimal output-constraint control forces the output to operate linearly, the nonlinear amplifier model is not required for the leak factor estimate. The simulation of the proposed algorithm is carried out on measured nonlinear paths to validate its efficacy.

The push for greater urban sustainability has increased the urgency of the search for noise mitigation solutions that allow for natural ventilation into buildings. Although a viable active noise control (ANC) solution with up to 10 dB of global attenuation between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz was previously developed for an open window, it had limited low-frequency performance below 300 Hz, owing to the small loudspeakers used. To improve the low-frequency attenuation, four passive radiator-based speakers were affixed around the opening of a top-hung ventilation window. The active control performance between 100 Hz and 700 Hz on a single top-hung window in a full-sized mock-up apartment room was examined. Active attenuation came close to the performance of the passive insulation provided by fully closing the window for expressway traffic and motorbike passing noise types. For a jet aircraft flyby, the performance of active attenuation with the window fully opened was similar to that of passive insulation with fully closed windows. In the case of low-frequency compressor noise, active attenuation’s performance was significantly better than the passive insulation. Overall, between 8 dB and 12 dB of active attenuation was achieved directly in front of the window opening, and up to 10.5 dB of attenuation was achieved across the entire room.

The gradual adaptation and possibility of divergence hinder the active noise control system from being applied to a wider range of applications. Selective active noise control has been proposed to rapidly reduce noise by selecting a pre-trained control filter for different primary noise detected without an error microphone. For stationary noise, considerable noise reduction performance with a short selection period is obtained. For non-stationary noise, more restrictive requirements are imposed on instant convergence, as it leads to faster tracking and better noise reduction performance. To speed up a selective filtered active noise control system, empirical wavelet transform is introduced here to accurately and instantaneously extract the frequency information of primary noise. The boundary of the first intrinsic mode function of random noises is extracted as the instant signal feature. Primary noise is attenuated immediately by picking the optimal pre-trained control filter labeled by the nearest boundary. The storage requirement for a pre-trained control filter library is reduced. Instant control is obtained, and the instability caused by output saturation is overcome. With more concentrated energy distribution, better noise reduction performance is achieved by the proposed algorithm compared to conventional and selective active noise control algorithms. Simulation results validate these advantages of the proposed algorithm.