Optimization of Equipment Allocation and Sound-Barriers Shape in a Multi-Noise Plant by Using Simulated Annealing

Abstract

Because high noise levels in industrial plants can be injurious to workers and lead not only to psychological but also to physiological ailments, noise control in factories becomes essential. In order to overcome the noise impact emitted from a multi-noise plant, a sound barrier, a popular noise control strategy, has been used in the industrial field for a long time. Yet, the traditional method in the design of a sound barrier is time-consuming. Recently, to economically improve acoustical performance, a new strategy (flexible allocation) is applied; however, the acoustical performance is still insufficient. In order to quickly, efficiently, and economically control the noise level specified by the Environmental Protection Administration, interest in shape optimization of a sound barrier in conjunction with equipment allocation around the plant's boundary is rising. In this paper, the novel technique of simulated annealing (SA) in conjunction with the theoretical sound propagation model and the method of minimized variation square is applied in the following numerical optimizations. Before a sound barrier is optimized, the sound propagation from one single noise is tested and compared with the experimental data for the purpose of accuracy within the mathematical model. Moreover, three kinds of sound barrier systems have been fully discussed and optimally shaped by the SA. The results reveal that the sound barrier can be properly shaped. Consequently, this paper may provide an efficient and rapid methodology in the shape-optimized work for a sound barrier installed in a multi-equipment plant.