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Description
Residential heat pumps introduce significant low‑frequency aerodynamic and mechanical noise into indoor and outdoor environments, especially through compact ventilation ducts. Conventional duct silencers are often too bulky, prone to degradation, or introduce unacceptable pressure drops. Acoustic metamaterials (AMMs) offer a promising alternative due to their subwavelength behaviour, design flexibility, and ability to maintain ventilation while delivering substantial attenuation in the 31.5–2000 Hz range relevant to heat pumps. This paper presents a focused synthesis of metamaterial mechanisms, modelling approaches, and performance data framed specifically for applications in residential heat pump acoustics. The discussion emphasises the performance of resonant cavities, micro‑perforated panels, membranes and interference‑based structures under realistic flow conditions, including the influence of Mach number, turbulence, and duct geometry. The paper further outlines recommended modelling practices, integration strategies, and research gaps that must be addressed for widespread adoption of AMM‑based silencers in heat pump ventilation systems.