Data centers have become key components of the world’s digital infrastructure.

Not only do they house the critical equipment that powers our internet, cloud computing, and vast data storage needs, but they also handle a tremendous amount of information, consume vast amounts of energy, and create a lot of noise in the process.

Controlling these environments is not just a matter of comfort but rather an essential step to comply with health and safety regulations—not to mention protect the equipment.

Here’s what you need to know about data center noise control, including the impact of data center noise and how you can control it.

What’s Data Center Noise?

Data center noise refers to the sound generated by various mechanical and electronic devices within a data facility, including servers, HVAC systems, and backup power supplies. Many of these components generate some noise during their standard operation, though when combined, they produce a consistent, sometimes obnoxious, sound.

Data centers also can consume large amounts of power and require massive amounts of cooling to stay operational. This much energy flowing through a system is bound to generate some noise along the way. While these noises may not be excessive in and of themselves, with the thousands of components inside a data center the ability to generate noise becomes incredibly high.

Altogether, these noises contribute to what's known as data center noise pollution, an accumulation of sound that can reach levels harmful to both human operators and the equipment itself. 

This self-generated noise within data centers must be handled appropriately or can snowball into a big problem. Due to the constant operation of these machines, data centers can be noisy 24/7, leading to a challenging acoustic environment.

Impact of Noise Pollution in Data Centers

Excessive noise in data centers can lead to a number of operational issues.

For human operators, prolonged exposure to high noise levels can result in hearing loss, increased stress, and lower productivity. Constant noise, even at low volumes, can be distracting and difficult to be around for many workers. When humans are distracted by noises, not only are they less productive but they can make errors that lead to accidents or unsafe working conditions.

For the data center's delicate equipment, vibrations and humming noises can interfere with the precise operations of hard drives and other sensitive components. Maintaining certain noise levels is crucial not only for operational efficiency but also to comply with occupational safety standards and environmental regulations. Noise pollution from a data center impacts the equipment inside the data center as well as the people inside and outside of the data center.

Self-Generated Noise Control in Data Centers

A significant portion of data center noise is self-generated, meaning the noise within the environment comes from the equipment and operations unique to the facility itself.

This includes the whirring of fans, the buzz of electrical components, and the hum of cooling systems. Effective noise control strategies must address these noise sources head-on through both passive and active noise control techniques.

Passive methods include soundproofing materials and design modifications that absorb or block sound, while active methods might involve using noise cancellation technology to neutralize sound waves. 

With no attention to dampening sound, equipment like HVAC systems and ductwork can transmit and even amplify these sounds making the problem worse. Correcting for self-generated noise requires a careful approach to identifying problem areas and limiting the ability for noise transmission to occur. Reducing noise pollution requires dampening sounds as close to their source as possible.

Metal Form's Solutions for Data Center Noise Control

Metal Form has a range of products specifically designed to tackle the challenges of noise control in data centers. 

These solutions include sound dampening panels, louvers, and acoustic silencers that reduce the transmission of sound from equipment to the surrounding environment. With a wide array of products, Metal From can provide all the components needed for a comprehensive noise mitigation strategy. Their Dynasonic line of offerings for noise control has been used in projects throughout the world for over 35 years.

By incorporating these products, data centers can significantly lower their noise output, creating a quieter and more efficient working environment. When it comes to noise mitigation, it pays to work with the pros. With their vast knowledge and experience in noise mitigation, Metal Form is well positioned to help data centers avoid noise pollution problems or fix any existing noise control problems they might have..

Use Metal Form to Help Keep Things Quiet

Noise control in data centers is a critical component of modern data management, which affects everything from personal health to system reliability—even regulatory compliance. 

Through the strategic application of Metal Form’s engineered solutions, data centers can achieve effective noise reduction, enhancing both their operational effectiveness and their compliance with industry standards. 

To learn more about reducing noise in your data center, reach out to the noise mitigation experts at Metal Form today.