In this paper a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) active noise control system with the aim of global reduction of broadband noise in a telephone kiosk is addressed. The model selected for this optimization problem is the acoustic environment of an enclosure taking into account the effect of coupling of secondary sources used for control purpose. This optimization involves finding the best locations for loudspeakers and microphones inside the enclosure as well as optimizing the control signals considering secondary source coupling.

Previous results show that in order to be able to reduce acoustic noise globally inside the enclosure, the frequency range of 50-300 Hz must be selected for control purpose. The mean of acoustic potential energy of the enclosure, when excited in this frequency range, is adopted as a performance measure. This performance index is penalized with the power of the signal required to excite secondary loudspeakers, in order to avoid placements that may need high voltage power amplifier for a desired performance. To find the solution of this problem, i.e. the global minimum of the performance index, several genetic algorithms are proposed and compared. In order to attain the best achievable performance in reaching the global minimum, the parameters of these genetic algorithms are tuned, and used for optimization purpose. Numerical simulations of the acoustical potential energy as well as the sound pressure at different heights of the kiosk, when active noise control (ANC) system operates, confirm the optimality of the locations proposed by the genetic algorithm. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.