Case Study - Revolutionizing Engineering Simulations for Tractebel with HPC Solution

Overcoming Computational Limitations in Engineering Simulations

Tractebel, part of the ENGIE Group, is a global engineering consultancy specializing in energy, nuclear, gas, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Their team of experts provides clients with sophisticated engineering solutions to complex challenges across multiple sectors.

One of the critical tools in Tractebel's engineering arsenal is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, which enables their engineers to model and analyze complex fluid flows, heat transfer, and related phenomena. These simulations are essential for numerous applications, including:

• Safety analyses for nuclear and industrial facilities
• Ventilation system design for buildings and tunnels
• Fire propagation studies for safety engineering
• Thermal comfort assessments for architectural designs
• Pollution dispersion modeling for environmental impact studies

However, Tractebel faced significant challenges with their CFD simulation workflow:

• Computational Intensity: Simulations required enormous computing resources and could take days or weeks to complete on existing infrastructure
• Capacity Limitations: The need to run multiple simulation variants simultaneously frequently exceeded available computing capacity
• Resource Management Complexity: Engineers spent excessive time managing computation resources rather than focusing on engineering analysis
• Inefficient Workflows: The simulation process involved multiple software tools and complex configurations, creating friction in the workflow
• Results Management: Large simulation output files were difficult to store, organize, and access efficiently
• Cost Visibility: Engineers lacked clear visibility into the cost implications of different simulation approaches

These limitations were impacting Tractebel's ability to deliver timely results to clients, especially when complex projects required multiple simulation variants to explore different scenarios or parameters.

A Comprehensive HPC Platform for Engineering Excellence

Necko Technologies designed and implemented a complete High Performance Computing (HPC) solution for Tractebel that addressed their core challenges while dramatically improving engineer productivity. Our approach combined AWS's powerful cloud infrastructure with a tailored user experience designed specifically for engineering workflows:

1. AWS ParallelCluster Implementation

We leveraged AWS ParallelCluster to create a flexible, scalable HPC environment that could be dynamically provisioned based on simulation requirements:

• Configured optimized compute clusters for CFD workloads
• Implemented automatic scaling to match computation resources to simulation needs
• Created template configurations for different simulation types
• Established efficient data transfer mechanisms between simulation components

2. Intuitive Web Interface and API

We developed a comprehensive web application and API that transformed the engineer experience:

• User-Friendly Dashboard: Created an intuitive interface for managing all aspects of simulations
• One-Click Resource Selection: Simplified the process of choosing appropriate compute resources
• Simulation Management: Enabled engineers to prepare, launch, monitor, and analyze simulations
• Real-Time Status Updates: Provided continuous visibility into simulation progress
• Cost Transparency: Implemented clear cost estimation and monitoring features
• Results Visualization: Incorporated tools for viewing and exploring simulation results

3. Secure Integration with Enterprise Systems

We ensured the solution integrated seamlessly with Tractebel's existing systems and security requirements:

• Identity Federation: Implemented secure authentication using Okta
• Permission Management: Created role-based access controls for different user types
• Data Security: Ensured all simulation data was encrypted at rest and in transit
• Audit Logging: Implemented comprehensive activity tracking

Scalable, Secure, and User-Focused

The solution architecture we designed for Tractebel combines multiple AWS services to create a seamless experience from simulation setup to results analysis:

Frontend Layer

• Web Application: Hosted in Amazon S3 and distributed via Amazon CloudFront
• User Authentication: Secured using Lambda Authorizer integrated with Okta
• Responsive Interface: Designed for both desktop and mobile use

API and Control Layer

• REST API: Built using Amazon API Gateway and AWS Lambda
• Simulation Management: Lambda functions for creating, monitoring, and managing simulations
• Data Storage: Simulation metadata stored in DynamoDB for fast access
• File Management: Input files and results managed through S3 buckets

Compute Layer

• HPC Orchestration: AWS ParallelCluster for managing high-performance computing resources
• Dynamic Provisioning: Automatic creation and configuration of compute clusters
• Resource Optimization: Instance selection based on simulation requirements
• Job Scheduling: Efficient management of simulation workloads

Data Storage and Archive

• Results Storage: Automated archiving of simulation results in S3
• Lifecycle Management: Cost-effective storage tiers for different data access patterns
• Data Integrity: Checksums and validation to ensure simulation data reliability

Transforming Engineering Capabilities and Client Outcomes

The HPC solution delivered by Necko Technologies has fundamentally transformed Tractebel's engineering capabilities and the value they can deliver to clients:

Dramatically Accelerated Timelines

Engineers can now launch any CFD simulation in minutes instead of hours, and receive results in days rather than months, enabling faster decision-making and client responsiveness.

Enhanced Analytical Capacity

The ability to run multiple simulation variants simultaneously allows engineers to explore more scenarios, optimize designs more thoroughly, and provide more comprehensive analyses to clients.

Significant Cost Savings

Tractebel has realized savings of up to €24,000 per project compared to traditional methods, making their services more competitive while maintaining or improving quality.

Improved Resource Utilization

Engineers now spend their time on high-value analysis rather than managing computing resources, increasing productivity and job satisfaction.

Enhanced Data Management

Large simulation files are now securely stored and easily accessible, allowing engineers to efficiently reference previous work and build upon existing knowledge.

Greater Cost Transparency

Engineers can estimate simulation costs before launching, enabling better project planning and budgeting while avoiding unexpected expenses.

Expanding Engineering Capabilities

Building on the successful implementation of the CFD simulation platform, Necko Technologies and Tractebel are exploring several opportunities to further enhance their engineering capabilities:

Machine Learning Integration

Incorporating machine learning to analyze patterns across multiple simulations and suggest optimal parameters for future scenarios, reducing the number of simulations needed.

Advanced Visualization Tools

Enhancing the platform with more sophisticated 3D visualization capabilities to help engineers and clients better understand simulation results.

Additional Simulation Types

Expanding the platform to support other types of engineering simulations beyond CFD, creating a unified simulation management environment.

Collaborative Features

Adding capabilities for multiple engineers to collaborate on simulations, share results, and jointly analyze outcomes for complex projects.

AWS Services Used