Control strategies for active noise barriers using near-field error sensing

In this paper active noise control strategies for noise barriers are presented which are based on the use of sensors near the noise barrier. Virtual error signals are derived from these near-field sensor signals such that reductions of the far-field sound pressure are obtained with the active system. The performance of the control algorithm is compared for far-field error signals, near-field error signals, and virtual far-field error signals, with and without additional reference sensors. The virtual error signals are obtained by using separate transfer functions for the primary sources and secondary sources. These separate transfer functions are determined in such a way that the necessity of the separation of the virtual sensors for the primary field and for the secondary field can be judged by direct comparison. The systems are evaluated for independent broadband and randomly positioned primary sources, changing source spectra, moving sources, and configurations involving a nonvanishing wind speed.