Learn more about Tooling4G, the first Portuguese project approved by the SHAPE PRACE (Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe) initiative – the pan-European program that aims to support initiatives to disseminate the innovation potential created by Advanced or High Performance Computing (HPC).
A research project that unites the University of Coimbra (UC) and the Technological Center for the Mold, Special Tool and Plastics Industry (CENTIMFE), located in Marinha Grande, was the first Portuguese project approved by the SHAPE PRACE program. The initiative proves that High Performance Computing (HPC) High Performance Computing) can also bring benefits to small and medium-sized companies. As an example of creating synergies between the National Scientific and Technological System and the business sector, this project paves the way for other companies to discover and develop Advanced Computing technologies.
“Tooling4G|Minimize the airflow generated noise on automotive HVAC systems"focuses on the automotive sector and aims to "support a national company in the development of innovative fans that substantially reduce noise from automotive air conditioning systems, which could be integrated into the next generation of electric vehicles." Between 2020 and 2021, sophisticated calculations were performed in Advanced Computing Laboratory of the University of Coimbra (LCA-UC) – one of the operational centers of National Advanced Computing Network managed by the FCCN Unit – using advanced computing platforms Navigator and Navigator Plus.
The project Tooling4G lasted six months and presented promising results in white paper published.
Pedro Alberto, project coordinator at LCA-UC, believes this research will sow seeds – demonstrating that HPC resources are useful for SMEs, making products more innovative and sophisticated – increasing productivity, reducing costs, and increasing quality and production speed. “In total, sophisticated and complex calculations were performed at an “ultrasonic” rate, the equivalent of 250,000 hours of traditional computing, on a single processor.”, says the project coordinator at LCA-UC.
The program SHAPE Its mission is to provide European SMEs with the necessary experience to benefit from the innovation possibilities created by High Performance Computing (HPC), thus increasing their competitiveness.
In addition to the SHAPE program, the network PRACE There are other competitions that award advanced computing resources and also offer numerous training courses in this area. Portugal's participation in PRACE is ensured by the UC, with the support of the FCT.
