Overview
The UNSEEN research project primarily uses the EUDAT service B2Drop to share larger data sets across collaborating institutions. Specifically, the project utilises a particular data scheme that enables the sharing of preliminary data for computer models, exceeding the personal storage limit of 20 GB. Additionally, the project stores data related to management, such as presentations and project descriptions, on B2Drop. For certain aspects of the project, B2Share is also used to openly publish data sets and obtain a DOI for referencing.
The Scientific Challenge
The general scientific challenge for the UNSEEN research project is to compute large data sets used for energy system optimisation modelling. In UNSEEN, the target has been to perform ensemble runs on High-Performance Computing (HPC) to identify robust energy scenarios from a large space of uncertain model parameters. However, for the final application of parameter variation involving very large sets of inputs and outputs, the project utilises HPC storage or workspaces.
Who benefits and how?
The EUDAT services mainly used by the UNSEEN research project have emerged as a sound technological compromise for data storage. Accordingly, researchers from various disciplines have benefited. The advantages of using B2Drop include: 1) Data storage within the EU, 2) Relatively easy access, and 3) No associated costs. The second point has been particularly significant, as developers—researchers with a strong affinity for Linux and who were therefore partially unwilling to use any MS SharePoint solutions—had to collaborate with pure Windows users. These Windows users, who are researchers focused on data research, did not want command line-based solutions or additional software installed.
Technical Implementation
The B2Drop folder is utilised and integrated as a network folder for the UNSEEN research project.