Adaptive Intelligent Ventilation Noise Control, Phase I

To address NASA needs for quiet crew volumes in a space habitat, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Adaptive Intelligent Ventilation Noise Control (AIVNC) system to reduce acoustic noise and vibration inside the crew living quarters. The proposed AIVNC is based on multifrequency active patches as a thin-skin-type actuator inside the ventilation system, and an intelligent adapting module instantly and continuously suppresses broadband noise in crew rest areas. The AIVNC active adapting module provides actuation signals to the multifrequency active patches by means of real-time intelligent adaptation to time-varying noise sources. The AIVNC multiple-modal actuation array targeting different frequency ranges enables users to perform fast active adaptation for acoustic noise suppression in a space habitat with an easy retrofit capability. In Phase I POC will demonstrate both the feasibility of AIVNC by testing active actuation patches, and an intelligent adapting model including an optimized system configuration and methodology. In Phase II POC plans to implement AIVNC into a fast, compact, standalone board with a complete actuator subsystem for precise acoustical control.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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