Natural Power advance in wind modelling

While developing the CFD model, Natural Power realised it would not be able to run effectively on its existing server, therefore they implemented a SuperMicro supercomputer powered by Intel Xeon processor E5-2660 v3. The company said Internal assessments have shown that this runs 1.7 times faster than the previous installation.

Claude Abiven, Senior Technical Manager at Natural Power, said: “Wind power has enormous potential, but there are multiple variables involved at each installation that will affect yield and, consequently, the financial viability of both new and existing sites. Typically our customers need an accurate picture of the likely output of the wind farms they are planning to build or buy so they can determine projected profit and hence the loan criteria. The more accurate the calculation is, the more attractive the terms for financing become – and the more easily wind power can be integrated into the overall energy mix.”

“The improved speed creates an obvious commercial advantage. No client wants to wait 60 days for modelling outcomes. More significantly, it means we can increase certainty in our calculations, which can be directly translated in to cost savings. When the bill for a wind farm runs in to hundreds of millions, that’s an important factor – and a potential game changer for the industry.”