Home > Acoustics & noise reduction in data centers
Acoustics & Noise Reduction in Data Centers
The growth of data centers, their densification in urban areas, and the operational requirements related to cooling and power supply generate major acoustic challenges. The noise produced by cooling units, fans, generators, and air distribution equipment can cause nuisance to the neighborhood, regulatory non-compliance, and even operational constraints. The acoustics of data centers require a comprehensive approach that integrates technical, environmental, thermal, and operational considerations.
For several years now, IT infrastructure has been evolving towards more compact and energy-intensive models, with more efficient cooling systems. In this context, noise management has become an essential part of data center design and operation.
Why does a data center generate noise?
A data center uses several energy and thermal devices, which operate on continuous mechanical cycles. The main sources of noise are:
Cooling units and chillers
Cooling systems produce aerodynamic noise (fans, turbines) and mechanical noise (compressors), with sound levels reaching 75 to 85 dB(A) in the immediate vicinity. The size of the air circuit, the rotation speed, and turbulence are determining factors.
Ventilation and air extraction
Computer rooms require constant air renewal, often in the form of forced ventilation. Fan batteries, ducts, and air paths can generate blowing and vibration noises.
Generators
Generators are one of the noisiest sources of noise. At nominal operating levels, a generator can exceed 95 to 105 dB(A). Their acoustic integration requires silencers, enclosures, filters, and appropriate thermal management.
Inverters and electrical equipment
Although less noisy individually, UPSs, transformers, and electrical panels nevertheless contribute to overall noise through vibration phenomena.
Acoustic propagation & behavior
Noise propagates through the air or through mechanical structures. Vibrations can be transmitted through frames, structures, or concrete bases. Infrasound, which is often ignored, can nevertheless be measured at property boundaries and can generate complaints from neighbors.
Acoustic challenges specific to data centers
Data centers have specific constraints that make their acoustic treatment more complex than that of traditional buildings.
Thermal constraints & ventilation
Acoustics cannot be addressed independently of thermal flows. Any acoustic solution must guarantee that airflow, cooling, and energy redundancy (N+1, 2N) are maintained.
Operational constraints (24/7)
Data centers operate continuously. Acoustic interventions must be carried out using strict procedures, sometimes under power or under load, without interrupting service.
Neighborhood constraints & urbanization
More and more data centers are being built in urban areas. Regulatory limits at property boundaries may be less than 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night, requiring complex treatment.
Regulatory constraints
Depending on their thermal or electrical power, some data centers may be subject to ICPE regulations, which notably involve:
acoustic checks
compliance with regulatory limits
control of sound emergencies
Acoustics then becomes a compliance issue.
How can you reduce noise in a data center?
Acoustic treatment is based on several complementary approaches:
Acoustic research and engineering
Initial measurements, simulation, propagation modeling, and sound level prediction enable us to anticipate the performance of solutions.
Acoustic treatment
Silencers, acoustic filters, absorbent panels, and dedicated materials reduce aerodynamic and mechanical noise while maintaining thermal conditions. Attenuation of 8 to 18 dB(A) is generally observed, depending on the configuration.
Soundproofing & insulation
Fairings, acoustic enclosures, insulating cladding, and exterior partitions enable greater reductions of up to 22 to 28 dB(A) when combined with silencers.
Installation & validation
Acoustic solutions require custom integrations that take into account maintenance constraints, ventilation, fire safety, and electrical continuity.
Measurement campaigns are used to validate acoustic gains at the end of the project.
ECIB offers a comprehensive approach covering the entire value chain:
Research & design
acoustic diagnosis
computer simulation
technical dimensioning
material definition
thermal integration and ventilation
Workshop manufacturing
The solutions are custom-made in specialized workshops. Examples of systems manufactured:
silent
rollovers
soundproof containers
insulated cladding
acoustic filters
absorbent panels
On-site installation
The initial work is carried out on site at the data center, in coordination with the operations and maintenance teams. Installation can be performed while the system is running, with redundancy, or during maintenance windows.
Acoustic solutions involve several critical components:
generating sets
chillers / cooling units
ventilation systems
energy containers
technical rooms
edge modules
Some modular applications enable rapid installation, particularly in edge deployment or capacity enhancement scenarios.
Data Center References (under NDA)
An urban data center was equipped with custom-made acoustic containers. Objective: to reduce noise at the property boundary and maintain air flow. Result: measured attenuation of -18 dB(A) on the chillers and regulatory compliance in less than 10 weeks. Client under NDA.
A second industrial project currently underway aims to soundproof generators with thermal integration and air filtration.
Conclusion & support
Data center acoustics require a comprehensive approach that combines thermal, mechanical, electrical, and environmental constraints. Noise control is becoming a strategic issue, both for regulatory compliance and service continuity, as well as for the urban integration of digital infrastructure.
