A numerical assessment of optimal equipment allocation and acoustical barrier shape in a multi-noise plant by using the simulated annealing method

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 and expensive. To economically improve acoustical performance, an interest in shape optimization of a sound barrier in conjunction with an optimal 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, four kinds of sound barrier systems in conjunction with equipment allocation have been fully discussed and optimally shaped by the SA. The results reveal that the both sound barrier and equipment can be properly shaped and allocated. Consequently, this paper may provide an efficient and rapid methodology in the noise minimization of a multi-equipment plant.