Using multiprocessors

CYPECAD, CYPE 3D and CYPETHERM EPlus use the potential of multiprocessors during the analysis process.

Using computers containing several parallel processors and with the corresponding module, a considerable amount of time can be saved during the analysis process in the aforementioned programs.

Using multiprocessors in CYPETHERM EPlus

The rigorous analysis of the thermal demand carried out by EnergyPlus™ involves a large number of operations, which substantially increases the analysis time.  Therefore, using the "Parallel analysis with more than four processors" module, programs using the EnergyPlus™ analysis engine (CYPETHERM EPlus) can use the multiprocessors by managing the target building and the reference building simultaneously, reducing the analysis time by approximately 50% when using EnergyPlus™.

Using multiprocessors in CYPECAD and CYPE 3D

There is a significant difference in the analysis time in CYPECAD and CYPE 3D when using the "Parallel analysis with more than four processors" module. In CYPE 3D, the time taken to redesign the sections will also be considerably reduced when using these modules on computers with multiprocessors.

The analysis time of a structure does not only depend on the type of processor available in the computer where it is analysed (multiprocessor and single-core processor), but also on the remaining hardware of the computer, the operating system and, naturally, the structure being analysed (type of floor slab used, whether or not there are walls, the volume of the structure to be analysed, etc.).

To check the performance of the multiprocessor analysis module, CYPE has analysed several jobs with and without the module.

For this comparison, the only variable in each test was whether or not the multiprocessor analysis module was used.

• Analysis on a computer equipped with four processors (quad-core):
  1. Job description:
     • Nº of floors: 6
     • Total floor slab area 8.003 m2
       • Waffle slabs 5.822 m2
       • Flat slabs  2.181 m2
     • Lateral wall area 1.017 m2
     • Job has been designed to resist wind and seismic loads
       
       Analysis time WITH the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 3 h 6'.
       Analysis time WITHOUT the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 9 h 17'.
       This saves 67 % of analysis time.
       
  2. Job description:
     • Nº of floors: 4
     • Total floor slab area 6.862 m2
       • Mat foundation 1.911 m2
       • Waffle slab 4.951 m2
     • Lateral wall area 1.093 m2
     • Job has been designed to resist wind and seismic loads
       
       Analysis time WITH the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 41'.
       Analysis time WITHOUT the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 1 h 51'.
       This saves 63 % of analysis time.
       
  3. Job description:
     • Nº of floors: 6
     • Total floor slab area 32.432 m2
       • Flat slabs 32.432 m2
       • Lateral wall area 11.021 m2
     • Job has been designed to resist wind and seismic loads
       
       Analysis time WITH the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 3 h 23'.
       Analysis time WITHOUT the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 8 h 27'.
       This saves 60 % of analysis time.
       
  4. Job description:
     • Nº of floors: 27
     • Total floor slab area 28.547 m2
       • Mat foundation 1.255 m2
       • Flat slabs 3.713 m2
       • Waffle slab 23.579 m2
     • Lateral wall area 2.342 m2
     • Job has been designed to resist wind and seismic loads
       
       Analysis time WITH the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 2 h 21'.
       Analysis time WITHOUT the Parallel analysis with more than four processors module 5 h 18'.
       This saves 56 % of analysis time.

The time saved in analysing the structure is multiplied considering that a single structure may have to be analysed several times until its optimum design is reached.