Applications of Variable Acoustics

This research investigates the use of variable acoustics and active acoustics system to improve the acoustics of the Paul H. Cocker Architecture Gallery at Ryerson University. These modifications can help the gallery become a multifunctional space in regards to acoustical characteristics of the room. Variation in acoustical response of a room requires use of different devices and material to change the reverberation and articulation time conveniently. Acoustical measurements were done in multiple locations at four multi-use auditoria with different variable acoustics features. These auditoria are Roy Thompson hall, Koerner Hall, Glenn Gould Studio and LiveLab at McMaster University. These case studies are used to better understand the acoustical responses of the auditoria with different configurations and use the data for the acoustical improvements of the Paul H. Cocker Architecture Gallery. After these evaluations were performed, results show that the acoustical poster board panels can be used to change the reverberation time of the Gallery based on the different uses. Keyword: acoustics, variable acoustics, reverberation time, active acoustics system, passive acoustics systems

Applications of Variable Acoustics

This research investigates the use of variable acoustics and active acoustics system to improve the acoustics of the Paul H. Cocker Architecture Gallery at Ryerson University. These modifications can help the gallery become a multifunctional space in regards to acoustical characteristics of the room. Variation in acoustical response of a room requires use of different devices and material to change the reverberation and articulation time conveniently. Acoustical measurements were done in multiple locations at four multi-use auditoria with different variable acoustics features. These auditoria are Roy Thompson hall, Koerner Hall, Glenn Gould Studio and LiveLab at McMaster University. These case studies are used to better understand the acoustical responses of the auditoria with different configurations and use the data for the acoustical improvements of the Paul H. Cocker Architecture Gallery. After these evaluations were performed, results show that the acoustical poster board panels can be used to change the reverberation time of the Gallery based on the different uses. Keyword: acoustics, variable acoustics, reverberation time, active acoustics system, passive acoustics systems

Sonar for Environmental Monitoring: Configuration of a Multifunctional Active Acoustics Platform Applied for Marine Renewables

Marine renewable energy is emerging as one of the fast-growing industry in the last decades, as modern society pushes for technologies that can convert energy contained from winds, waves, tides and stream flows. The implementation of renewable energy technologies impose high demands on both structural and environmental engineering, as the energy converters have to work under extreme conditions where parameters such as sea-bottom configuration, water transparency and depth, sea-states and prevailing winds are harsh. Constant monitoring of the marine environment is crucial in order to keep this sector reliable. Active acoustics is becoming a standard tool to collect multi-dimensional data from physical, geological and biological properties of the marine environment. The Div. of Electricity of Uppsala University have been developing an environmental monitoring platform based on sonar (Sound Navigation And Raging) systems. This platform aims to monitor the installation, operation and decommissioning of marine renewable energy converters. The focus will be given the observations of behaviours of marine animals in vicinity of energy converters but also structural inspection and monitoring of MRETs. This paper describes how this multifunctional environmental monitoring platform come to existence from the design to the deployment phase.