UBD IBM Centre
| Company type | Joint research initiative |
|---|---|
| Industry | Research and development |
| Founded | October 15, 2011 |
| Headquarters | Bandar Seri Begawan , Brunei |
Area served | Global |
Key people | His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah (Inaugurator) |
| Products | Research in climate modelling, renewable energy, agro-technology, hydrology, supercomputing applications |
| Parent | Universiti Brunei Darussalam, IBM Corporation |
| Website | www |
The UBD|IBM Centre represents a joint research initiative between Universiti Brunei Darussalam and the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation. Officially inaugurated on October 15, 2011, by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah, Sultan of Brunei, the centre collaborates with IBM Research Laboratories located in India, New York (Watson), Australia, and Brazil.
Research Facilities
Among the centre’s prominent assets is the IBM Blue Gene/P Supercomputer, equipped with 1024 interconnected microprocessors that provide substantial computational power. This advanced system facilitates high-resolution weather forecasting capabilities, delivering predictions up to 48 hours in advance with a spatial resolution of 1.5 km by 1.5 km. The forecasts generated serve multiple sectors including climate change studies, flood prediction, renewable energy forecasting for solar and wind power, and agricultural technologies such as smartphone applications designed for rice farmers.
Research Projects
The centre dedicates its efforts to areas including Regional Climate and Weather Modelling, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Agro-technology, and Hydrology, utilizing its powerful computing infrastructure under the guiding principle "Innovating for Sustainable Earth."
Energy-related research forms a central focus, involving projects that simulate and forecast the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules under diverse weather scenarios. Findings from these investigations support the design parameters for grid-connected and rooftop solar PV installations and aid in optimizing the integration of solar-generated electricity into power grids.
Another significant energy project seeks to enhance the stability of power distribution networks by addressing 'power swing' events—variations that disrupt electrical parameters. The centre is working on early-warning detection methods aimed at safeguarding essential equipment such as generators and transformers.
In the realm of energy efficiency, the centre conducts detailed analyses of residential electricity usage through a three-tier monitoring framework encompassing regional, household, and appliance-level data collection using sophisticated sensors and analytical tools. This approach promotes grid-compatible homes by facilitating load balancing and efficiency improvements while exploring the incorporation of photovoltaic renewable energy sources. Additionally, the research contributes to establishing energy performance benchmarks for residential buildings in Brunei to inform effective energy management strategies.
Community-focused energy projects include an initiative in Sukang, Belait district, which delivers sustainable energy solutions to isolated locations. This project also exemplifies carbon footprint reduction by employing renewable resources alongside efficiency enhancements. Customized algorithms govern power generation, load scheduling, and consumption optimization via an intuitive control interface designed for user-friendliness with minimal technical expertise required.
Addressing food security concerns, the centre develops computational models that support agricultural systems management. One such effort involves creating a decision support system for paddy cultivation that utilizes high-resolution weather forecasts to optimize farming schedules and improve crop yields.
FloodSim, the centre’s flood prediction tool, simulates rainfall-runoff processes to estimate river flow across Brunei over various time horizons. This model offers valuable capabilities for disaster risk reduction and bolsters national disaster response planning.
Human resource development
The centre is dedicated to enhancing expertise through targeted courses and training sessions. Its sustainability summer school has successfully drawn attendees from ten different nations. Recently, modular instruction focusing on high performance computing, climate and weather simulation, as well as renewable energy, has experienced considerable participation. Multiple other professional development programs are also underway.
Achievements
Although relatively new, the centre has secured several international patents stemming from its research efforts, including innovations such as:
- Wind Farm Design Incorporating Three-Dimensional Wake Effects
- Plug Configurations to Mitigate Peak Load Demands
- Implementing Detailed Demand Management in Smart Grid Systems
- Automation of Weather Model Setup Processes
- Data Centers Compatible with Grid Requirements
- Minimizing Conversion Losses through Distributed Storage at the Appliance Level
- Enhancing Power Factor Efficiency
- Controlling Appliance Electricity Consumption
Moreover, eight technical inventions have been created. The centre's research outcomes are shared globally via publications in prestigious journals and presentations at international conferences.