HERMES Project

In cooperation with industrial partners and research institutes OWI develops concepts and technologies in the field of energy-efficient use of conventional and alternative fuels. The aim of the research activities is to develop advanced technologies and solutions for a future sustainable heat supply and mobility contributing to reduced pollutant- and greenhouse gas emissions. OWI is an affiliated institute to RWTH Aachen University and sees itself as a mediator between fundamental research and application. Within the framework of technology transfer OWI works on projects which are financed from public funds as well as on industrial research agreements. Clients range from manufacturers of domestic heating systems to companies of the automotive supply industry, the petroleum industry and the industrial furnace engineering to several other industries.

WUST is an inheritor of the tangible property of the German University Königliche Technische Hochschule Breslau and the intellectual and scientific heritage of Lviv Polytechnic. It has been operating since 1945. In academic year 2019/2020 about 25 000 students and more than 900 doctoral students were educated and trained by about 2150 academic teachers in 13 faculties: Architecture, Civil Engineering; Chemistry. Electrical Engineering; Information and Communication Technology; Geoengineering, Mining and Geology; Environmental Engineering; Computer Science and Management; Mechanical and Power Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Fundamental Problems of Technology; Microsystem Electronics and Photonics; Pure and Applied Mathematics. Scientists carry out their research in twelve disciplines, especially including new research problems in innovative energy generation, new materials. All research are included within three fields: engineering and technology, strict/natural sciences, and social sciences. Over the past ten years alone, WUST has been granted 1,283 patents, in which it is respected to be the national leader. WUST has 887 educational laboratories, 175 research laboratories, and 13 accredited laboratories.

Typical applications range from small-scale gas turbines, and compressors for domestic heat pumps to high-speed expanders for waste heat recovery using Organic Rankine Cycles. Particular emphasis is given to the domestic and transportation sector.

Scaling laws for turbomachinery dictate increasingly small tip diameters and rising rotational speeds while lowering conversion powers. Hence, key research activities include a thorough theoretical and experimental study of high-speed bearing technologies and their effect on dynamic rotor behavior. A particular emphasis is put on dynamic, gas-lubricated bearing technologies. Furthermore, the laboratory specializes in integrated mechanical design and optimization methodologies.

The LAMD seeks strong ties with industry and other academic institutions connecting its research with “real world” problems through collaborative projects. From an educational perspective, links to the industrial world enable a vivid exchange of knowledge and ideas and give the students an opportunity to work directly for outside sponsors.

Destinus Energy develops, manufactures and services state of-the-art gas turbine systems, and is headquartered in Hengelo, The Netherlands. In 2023, Destinus acquired Destinus Energy (formerly known as OPRA Turbines), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards sustainable energy innovation. As the parent company of Destinus Energy, Destinus is dedicated to expanding its product portfolio, closing global partnerships and reinforcing its vision for a greener future. With over 30 years of market presence, the OP16 gas turbine is a flagship product renowned for its reliability, availability, fuel flexibility and minimal maintenance requirements. The OP16 offers cost-effective and robust solutions for global energy needs, particularly in the 1.8MW turbine segment.