Energy Efficiency

Join us for our first annual community workshop! The energy consumption constraint for large-scale computing encourages scientists to revise the architecture design of hardware but also applications, algorithms, as well as the underlying working/ storage precision. The main aim is to make the computations energy-efficient (aka sustainable) and robust numerically but also in terms of fault tolerance. On the level of algorithmic solutions, we propose to utilize all provided resources wisely by exhibiting algorithms to computation overlapping but even more communication overlapping strategies. We also promote mixed-precision strategies with the aid of computer arithmetic tools like VerifiCarlo and its variable precision backend. Hence, before lowering precision, one must ensure that the simulation is numerically correct, e.g. by relying on alternative floating-point models/ rounding to pinpoint numerical bugs and to estimate the accuracy. We also work on fault tolerant and resilient algorithms, adaptivity and meshing/ mesh refinement that adapt to the heterogeneous nature of current machines. Another issue discussed in the workshop is the adaptation of adjoint-based topology optimization methods to spectral-element CFD codes. Therefore, in this workshop, we will share our approaches, lessons learnt with preliminary results, and outline perspectives for the upcoming three years of the project.