Rising demand for data centres drives need for acoustic solutions
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Why Acoustic Solutions Matter in Modern Data Centres
The rapid growth of data centres is transforming the digital landscape, driven by increasing demand for cloud storage, AI processing and digital services. As facilities become larger and more complex, they operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, relying on high-capacity cooling systems, ventilation infrastructure and backup power generation to maintain uptime and protect critical operations.
These essential systems generate significant levels of noise, making effective acoustic management critical to protect surrounding communities and meet regulatory requirements. Understanding the key noise sources allows engineers to design acoustic solutions to manage noise mitigation and reduce environmental impact.
Key sources of noise
Cooling systems and rooftop chillers generate significant airborne noise due to large condensers and fans operating constantly.
Backup generators produce very high sound pressure levels when running, particularly during testing or emergency operation.
Plant rooms and equipment areas, including internal data halls, contain mechanical equipment that can transmit noise through walls, floors and structural elements if not properly treated.
External infrastructure, such as pipes, ducts and outdoor plant, can radiate noise into surrounding environments and contribute to noise levels beyond the facility boundary.
These systems operate continuously, increasing facility needs to ensure properly acoustic treatment to manage noise.
Acoustic Treatment Strategies
Effective noise control in data centres requires a combination of solutions that reduce noise at the source, limit sound transmission and minimise noise emissions to surrounding areas. By incorporating acoustic walls, equipment enclosures, barrier systems and specialised lagging into facility design, operators can improve acoustic performance, support compliance requirements and create a quieter operating environment.
Pyrotek acoustic materials are designed to provide:
- Effective sound absorption and noise transmission loss
- Durable performance in demanding industrial environments
- Flexible installation for equipment, structures and enclosures
- Compatibility with HVAC systems and mechanical infrastructure
- Long-term reliability for critical data centre operations
Reapor® provides effective sound absorption for data centre environments where reverberation and equipment noise require control. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, it is commonly installed in plant rooms, mechanical service areas, ventilation ducts and acoustic barrier walls to help reduce noise and improve acoustic performance.
Key product features:
- Non-combustible material manufactured from 100% recycled glass
- Lightweight, fibre-free panels for easy handling and installation
- Easy to cut, drill and route using standard woodworking tools
- Resistant to weather, water and UV exposure for outdoor applications
- Durable construction suitable for demanding industrial environments
- Non-combustible material manufactured from 100% recycled glass
Wavebar® NC is a flexible mass-loaded vinyl noise barrier curtain designed to provide high acoustic transmission loss in demanding industrial environments. It is ideal as an outdoor noise barrier that reduces sound transmission for permanent or mobile walls around cooling systems, construction sites, rooftop screens, and generators for data centres.
Key product features:
- High-performance mass-loaded vinyl barrier for effective noise reduction
- Tear-resistant with high-tensile strength backing
- Weather and UV resistant for outdoor environments
- Resistant to chemicals, solvents and petrol
- Suitable for acoustic curtains and equipment enclosures
Sorberpoly® 2D is a high-performance acoustic absorber designed to reduce noise and reverberation in mechanical and industrial environments. Commonly used in plant rooms, mechanical service areas, equipment enclosures and ceiling linings, it delivers effective sound absorption across a wide frequency range, helping to improve overall acoustic performance within data centre facilities.
Key product features:
- Excellent sound absorption across a broad frequency range
- Hydrophobic polyester fibres that will not absorb or retain water
- Resistant to dust, liquids and mechanical damage
- Will not degrade, crumble or develop odours over time
- Non-toxic and safe to handle without skin irritation
- Contains no resin binders or VOCs
Soundlag® is a composite acoustic lagging solution designed to reduce breakout noise from mechanical services and equipment. Commonly used on HVAC ductwork, chiller units, compressors and liquid-filled pipes, it helps control noise transmission while supporting acoustic and fire performance requirements in data centre environments. Soundlag® 4525C is highly regarded by consultants reducing noise by up to 25 dB(A) in hydraulic and wastewater pipes
Key product features:
- High-performance mass-loaded vinyl barrier for effective noise reduction
- Tear-resistant with high-tensile strength backing
- Resistant to chemicals, solvents and petrol
- Suitable for acoustic curtains and equipment enclosures
- Multiple fixing options for easy installation
- Available in various weights, widths and roll lengths
- Easy to cut, sew, weld or mechanically fasten
Sorberbarrier® is a composite acoustic absorber and barrier designed to provide both sound absorption and noise transmission control. Commonly used for lining generators, hydraulic pump enclosures, mechanical equipment housings and internal air ducts, it helps reduce noise levels and improve acoustic performance in critical data centre infrastructure.
Key product features:
- Excellent sound absorption across a broad frequency range
- Hydrophobic polyester fibres that will not absorb or retain water
- Resistant to dust, liquids and mechanical damage
- Will not degrade, crumble or develop odours over time
- Non-toxic and safe to handle without skin irritation
- Contains no resin binders or VOCs
Let’s engineer quieter data centres
Effective acoustic design across cooling systems, generators and HVAC infrastructure plays a key role in reducing noise, supporting compliance and improving overall environmental performance in data centre operations.