Opening of the DLR Forum on Heat Transfer Fluids 2026
Institute Director Prof. Christian Sattler welcomed the guests to the forum with a short presentation on technology transfer from DLR research to industry and business.
The first network meeting took place at the DLR in Cologne-Porz.
Working groups exchanged ideas on current developments and possible applications.
Following positive feedback, follow-up formats are being planned.
Heat transfer fluids reliably transport energy in industrial processes and plants. However, handling hot oils requires training and thorough research. On 26 February 2026, more than 60 experts from industry, research and heating technology gathered at DLR in Cologne-Porz for a technical exchange to discuss topics such as sustainable synthesis, safety and environmental protection, and components and plant technology with the aim of promoting a potentially resilient energy supply and establishing a new network and event format for the German industrial heat transfer scene.
Shared knowledge in World Cafés
In his opening welcome address, Prof. Dr Christian Sattler, Director of the DLR Institute of Future Fuels, emphasised the relevance of DLR research for applications in industry and the public sector. Introductory short presentations on the topic of heat transfer fluids by Christian Jung, Christoph Hilgert and Nicole Janotte from the Department of Chemical and Physical Fundamentals set the tone for the topic and formed the transition to a detailed active exchange between the participants in a World Café format on the topics of
Sustainable synthesis & processes
Safety & environmental protection
Component and plant technology
Silicone-based heat transfer fluids above 400 °C
The results were then presented and discussed in plenary.
Prof. Dr Christian Sattler sums up: "We are delighted with the fantastic response from our industry partners to the DLR Heat Transfer Fluids Forum. This confirms our belief that the idea behind this forum, namely to give everyone the opportunity to actively participate in the discussions, is the right way to accelerate the process from development to application."
Supporting programme with large-scale research facilities
In addition to the technical programme items, participants were given a guided tour to gain an insight into the diverse research activities at the DLR site in Cologne and visit the large-scale research facilities of the Institute of Future Fuels, such as the solar furnace, the heat transfer fluid laboratory and the mobile pump and heat transfer fluid test stand (MOPUW), which enables tests with thermal oils at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius in continuous operation.
"We were a little nervous about how our invitation would be received as a research institution. However, the response, the positive working atmosphere and the feedback were great," says Christoph Hilgert, DLR researcher in the field of heat transfer fluids. "After this premiere, we are optimistic that, in addition to repeating the format annually, we will also be able to establish smaller forums on a regular basis as non-competitive and confidential working groups in order to promote and further expand the network that has been created."
We would like to thank everyone involved for the extremely productive exchange of ideas and look forward to seeing you again to discuss the research topic and future challenge of heat transfer fluids!
