Fan Noise Control: Case of Data Centres

C1b - Noise Control by Passive Means

In order to meet demand of ever-growing internet flows, data centres are multiplying in urban and rural areas. While energy cost of a Google search is already a care (A. Wissner Gross's work, PhD, Harvard University physicist), noise of web industry remains quite unknown.
Indeed, such impressive gatherings of computers form true industrial facilities. They can host up to several dozens of megawatts, mainly for the needs of ventilation (servers and cooling systems). These equipments generate noise levels that are comparable to those of mechanical industry.
Given the demanding regulatory framework (2002/49/CE European Directive, French regulation pour industrial facilities, etc), their noise impact is not to be neglected.
In light of various studies as a client assistant for noise control of these server farms, CETIM draws up the acoustic stakes that are specific to this field.
A risk management approach is brought up, at each step of the project: choice of site location, choice of cooling technologies and machinery, room design and development, facility operation…
This method takes into account this sector's strong demands:
- dynamism of the market, requiring short study and project deadlines
- profitable of room floor area, leaving few space for auxiliary equipment
- special requirements of key accounts concerning room design and fitting
- service continuity requirement, which means highest standards of operating safety, and making facility modification nearly impossible during operation
At each step, obstacles are pointed out, such as during regulation and standards interpretation, identification of noise exposure risk zones, reading of manufacturer data sheets, or in matching noise abatement solutions with the type of noise to be treated.
Case studies provide examples of noise abatement reached in collaboration with the contracting owner, project management and suppliers.