INDUSTRY

SALT LAKE CITY, -- Linux Networx announced today the Icelandic Energy Authority (IEA), in conjunction with Iceland's Institute for Meteorological Research (IMR), is using an Intel(R)-based Linux Networx cluster to boost its computing performance for 3D simulations of geothermal reservoirs and Icelandic climate conditions. With these capabilities, the IEA and IMR can accurately determine where geothermal power plants should be built and investigate the cause for disruptive weather events such as heavy precipitation and strong windstorms. "A powerful supercomputing solution was needed that could produce high-quality simulations quickly, be easy-to-manage and cost effective," said Olafur Rognvaldsson, CEO of IMR. "Compared to more traditional supercomputers, the price-to-performance ratio of Linux Networx clusters is unbeatable and the performance increase allows us to complete simulations and make important decisions that were previously impossible." Since more than 50% of the primary energy production in Iceland comes from geothermal energy, the IEA needed a powerful computing platform to simulate geothermal reservoirs in three dimensions. The Linux Networx cluster produces 3D simulations that help the IEA determine where geothermal power plants should be built for maximum productivity. The IMR is also using the cluster to simulate atmospheric conditions to learn what triggers disruptive weather events and to predict future Icelandic climate conditions. Using Clusterworx(R) and ICE Box(TM), advanced cluster management tools from Linux Networx, the IMR and IEA monitor how the cluster is functioning and can prevent problems from occurring. "With the Clusterworx cluster management software, managing the cluster has not been a problem at all," said Rognvaldsson. "The remote power-up has been the most useful function for us and the temperature logs have also provided valuable information to ensure cluster health and efficiency." Clusterworx and ICE Box are the only cluster management tools implemented at both the software and hardware levels to be the most comprehensive, architecture-independent cluster management system available.