About the ORC 2017 Conference: Our Mission
ORC 2017 was born from a simple, powerful idea: to create a conference for the organic Rankine cycle community that was as dynamic and practical as the technology itself.
Our Mission: More Than Just a Conference
We aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, focusing on real-world implementation with partners like Bosch and Siemens. Our goal was to foster genuine collaboration, not just presentations.
Bridging Academia and Industry
We moved beyond theory by creating a platform where university researchers could connect directly with engineering leads. This was central to our partnership with key institutions like the University of Brighton and our industrial partners.
Focus on Practical Implementation
Every session was designed with application in mind. We facilitated discussions on moving from prototype to product, ensuring topics like system durability and economic modelling were front and centre.
Our Editorial Focus: Opinionated & Practical
We curated content that tackled tough questions on working fluids like R245fa and HFOs, system optimisation, and market viability. We actively debated the role of UK initiatives like the Energy Technologies Institute.
Curating Tough Conversations
We encouraged healthy debate on critical industry challenges. Our editorial team selected topics that mattered most on the ground, such as:
- The practical trade-offs between established fluids like R245fa and next-generation HFOs.
- Realistic assessments of market viability for different ORC applications.
- The tangible impact of UK policy and funding bodies like the Energy Technologies Institute.
Beyond the Academic Paper
The focus was on the ‘so what?’ Our speakers were challenged to share lessons learned, failed experiments, and actionable insights rather than just presenting perfect data.
Our Team’s Approach: Passionately Hands-On
Our organising committee, drawn from leading UK institutions like the University of Brighton and industrial experts, was deeply involved in every detail, from selecting keynotes to designing networking sessions at the Glasgow SECC.
A Committee of Practitioners
Our editorial team wasn’t just administrators; they were active engineers, researchers, and project managers. This ensured the programme reflected the genuine priorities and challenges of the field.
Crafting the Attendee Experience
Every element, from the layout of the Glasgow SECC venue to the timing of coffee breaks, was planned to maximise networking and knowledge exchange. We built an environment where connections could flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main goal of the ORC 2017 conference?
Our primary goal was to create a unique forum that bridged academic research and industrial practice, fostering practical collaboration and moving the entire ORC technology field forward through actionable dialogue.
Who was the conference aimed at?
It was designed for practitioners across the spectrum: from academic researchers and PhD students to engineering managers, project developers, and policy makers involved in organic Rankine cycle technology.
Why was the Glasgow SECC chosen as the venue?
The Glasgow SECC offered the ideal blend of world-class facilities, excellent transport links, and a professional environment conducive to both large presentations and intimate networking, perfectly matching our community’s needs.
How did the conference address current industry debates?
We proactively curated sessions on hot-button issues like working fluid selection (R245fa vs. HFOs) and the real-world impact of initiatives like the Energy Technologies Institute, ensuring content was both relevant and provocative.
Ultimately, we emphasise that ORC 2017 was built by and for the community, aiming to leave a lasting impact on the field by prioritising practical collaboration and tough, necessary conversations.