Executive Summary
Challenge in one sentence
Identify and validate next-generation silencing solutions for large axial fan installations that set new benchmarks in noise reduction, deployability and system efficiency.
Why This Matters
Data centers and other large outdoor cooling installations are increasingly located close to residential areas, where noise regulations and community acceptance are becoming more critical. Today’s common silencer solutions are often bulky, heavy and costly to handle, and can introduce pressure losses that reduce overall system efficiency. As a result, there is a clear need for concepts that achieve strong, measurable noise reduction while remaining practical to deploy at scale.
Solution Space
We are looking for advanced silencing approaches for large axial fan setups—ranging from novel passive concepts and advanced materials to active or hybrid solutions. If your approach can be measured and compared (noise reduction and efficiency impacts), and offers a credible path toward a PoC in a realistic setup—ideally with advantages in weight, footprint, cost or handling—it is in scope.
Why Participate
This project offers innovators the chance to build and validate a joint solution with ebm papst:
- Access to fan and airflow expertise, plus acoustic measurement capabilities and a dedicated PoC environment
- Opportunity to run a joint Proof of Concept with comparable testing and clear success criteria
- Data-driven positioning of your solution in a structured comparison of leading silencing approaches
- Direct path to venture-client collaboration, potential co-development and scaling discussions based on results
Process
The participation process is structured to provide fast clarity and fair evaluation:
- Application – Submit your application answering key questions about your silencing solution, maturity and expected value.
- Evaluation & Shortlisting – Assessment based on problem fit, technical feasibility, measurability and impact potential.
- Get-to-Know Session – Short digital session with the ebm papst team to align on use case, integration options and a first PoC idea.
- Proof of Concept (PoC) – Joint PoC to validate noise reduction and efficiency impacts in a comparable test setup.
- Next Steps & Scale-Up – Successful solutions are considered for further collaboration, customer pilots and long-term partnerships.
