Andrew Doyle/PARIS
AN INDIVIDUAL SEAT-based active noise-cancellation system for airliners, which eliminates the need for complex acoustic modeling of the cabin, is now under development by French companies Dassault Electronique and Technofirst.
The active-noise controller for aircraft seat (ANCAS) system consists of an electronic controller and an electro-acoustic module integrated into the seatback. Dassault says that the system provides attenuation of wide-band low-frequency noise, regardless of source.
Because of the autonomous operation of the ANCAS, cabin configuration and seat location can be modified without affecting system efficiency, making it ideal for retrofit to existing aircraft. The system automatically adjusts itself, depending on location. If required, only selected seats in the cabin need be equipped. The technology could also be used to reduce noise in the aircraft cockpit.
"ANCAS is very competitive compared with the global systems offered by other manufacturers," says Philippe de Braquilanges, Dassault Electronique's director of marketing and sales for commercial products. "You can move the seat around and the system still works - airlines like this," he adds.
Previous active-noise control systems, such as that developed for the Saab 2000 high-speed turboprop, have not performed as well as expected because they were unable to cope with the significant variation in noise frequencies throughout the cabin. Mathematical models were required, to allow the system to be optimised for the best overall performance.
Dassault has constructed a cabin mock-up of the ANCAS, and has held talks with Aero International (Regional) about offering the system for the ATR 42-500. Production units should be available this year, says Braquilanges.
Source: Flight International
