Partners explore quantum computing for turbine design

Key Takeaways

• Quantinuum, Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and EPCC partner to explore quantum computing for industrial workflows, specifically gas turbine design
• The collaboration aims to leverage quantum computing to improve complex fluid dynamics simulations, reducing computing resource requirements
• The project will utilize Quantinuum's Helios quantum computer and assess scalability on future systems, such as Sol and Apollo
• EPCC will contribute high-performance computing expertise, exploring hybrid compute workflows and software interfaces
• The partnership supports the UK Government's quantum computing mission, aiming for "teraQuOp" systems capable of one trillion error-free operations

Introduction to Quantum Computing in Turbine Design

The partnership between Quantinuum, Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and EPCC marks a significant step in exploring the potential of quantum computing in industrial workflows. Specifically, the collaboration will focus on gas turbine design, which relies heavily on complex fluid dynamics simulations. These simulations require substantial computing resources, and the partners aim to investigate how quantum computing can alleviate this bottleneck.

Roles and Responsibilities

Each partner brings unique expertise to the table:

• Quantinuum: Providing access to its quantum systems and software environment
• Rolls-Royce: Contributing industrial design use cases and domain expertise
• Riverlane: Contributing quantum error correction and algorithmic expertise
• EPCC: Contributing supercomputing expertise and hybrid workflow integration

Comparison of Quantum Computing Systems

Hybrid Compute Workflows

EPCC will play a crucial role in exploring how different parts of an algorithm can be compiled, emulated, and executed across classical and quantum resources. This includes pre- and post-processing steps required for hybrid compute workflows, ensuring seamless integration between quantum and classical systems.

Support for the UK Quantum Computing Mission

The collaboration supports the UK Government's quantum computing mission, which aims to develop accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of one trillion error-free operations. This partnership demonstrates the strength and maturity of the UK's quantum and advanced computing ecosystem, moving from foundational research toward industrially relevant hybrid applications.

Bottom Line

The partnership between Quantinuum, Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and EPCC has the potential to revolutionize gas turbine design by leveraging quantum computing to improve complex fluid dynamics simulations. With a multi-year timeline, this collaboration will explore the capabilities of quantum computing in industrial workflows, supporting the UK Government's quantum computing mission and paving the way for future innovations in the field.