Building Performance & Environmental Systems Lab.

논문 초록 (Abstract)

Data centers are expanding rapidly as critical infrastructure for AI, cloud computing, and telecommunication services. While energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions have received significant attention, the issue of occupational noise exposure in air-cooled data centers remains underexplored. This study aims to quantify noise levels within an operational data center and assess worker exposure in relation to international and national regulatory standards. Field measurements were conducted in a large-scale data center, equipped with both hot aisle containment (HAC) and cold aisle containment (CAC) systems. Following ISO 9612 guidelines, A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure levels (Lp,A,eqT) and C-weighted peak sound levels (Lp,Cpeak) were measured at standing and seated ear heights, alongside frequency spectra and Noise Rating (NR) analysis. Acoustic camera measurements were further applied to visualize spatial noise sources. Results indicate that average noise exposure frequently exceeded 85 dBA, with peak levels surpassing 100 dB in the CAC, thus exceeding NIOSH and OSHA occupational noise limits. Frequency analysis showed dominant noise in the 500 Hz~4 kHz range, directly impacting auditory fatigue and verbal communication. NR evaluations revealed multiple zones exceeding NR-70. This case study underscores the severe acoustic environment in air-cooled data centers, with implications for occupational health and facility design. Future work should expand measurements across diverse data centers to support generalization and inform policy development.