Oel-Waerme-Institut GmbH (OWI), located in Aachen, was established in 1998. The shareholders are Prof. Heinrich Köhne, Dr. Klaus Lucka, RWTH Aachen, the Institute of Economic Oil Heating (IWO) and the German Association of Combustible and Mineral Oil Trading (GDBM).
OWI is a non-profit organisation that contributes to assure a reliable energy supply in the future. With the focus on efficient and effective use of combustible fuels, projects at OWI are committed to achieve this goal. OWI functions to bridge the existent gap between fundamental research and the industry. Cooperation with other institutions is invaluable in successfully realising this aspiration.
The first laboratories were commissioned at the Technology Park in Herzogenrath in 1999. The continuous progress is reflected in its ever growing number of dedicated employees. As of May 2008, 56 staff members and 37 student research assistants are involved in various research activities at OWI. Research is carried out in the laboratory and office spaces of more than 1250m².
Well-known manufacturers of burners, automotive components, boilers and other components support OWI in its endeavours. Many of these companies which are located in several European countries and in the United States of America, are registered sustaining members.
Apart from managing the research and development activities, OWI promotes the publication of research results, international cooperation and information exchange between scientific groups. In the fall of 2006 the 5th “Aachener Oelkolloquium” was arranged by OWI, RWTH, IWO and the Association of European Heating Industry (EHI). During this event more than 160 international experts gathered to discuss and exchange relevant scientific research information. The 6th “Aachener Oelkolloquium” is scheduled to take place in Hamburg.
The activities conducted at OWI in the field of reformer development and fuel cells based on liquid fuels is consistently presented at the Hannover Fair since 2001. During this exposition new contacts were established and existing collaborations were strengthened. Developments pertinent to combustion and furnace technologies were periodically presented in collaboration with IWO at several expositions, viz. THERMPROZESS, SHK and ISH.
OWI provides its employees an unbiased opportunity for personal development by offering doctoral theses in relevant subjects. Alternatively a long-term employment is also offered. The dedication and commitment of each staff member is integral to achieve our aims. An open and direct communication supplemented by healthy debates is desired from the employees.