Ohmvo’s heating solutions, engineered with unique thermally conductive silicone, offer a lighter, more efficient and adaptable alternative to conventional systems.
Ohmvo is a Spanish-based manufacturer of advanced heating solutions for the railway sector. Part of the wider OR64 Group, the company specialises in heaters made from a thermal conductive silicone, which was developed in collaboration with the University of Barcelona.
This breakthrough silicone mat achieves a thermal conductivity of 1 W/m·K – five times higher than comparable products – enabling operating temperatures up to 30°C lower than conventional silicone-based heaters.
This innovation is the result of five years of R&D to overcome the ‘thermal barrier’ that heat sources such as printed circuit boards or heating wires encounter in traditional silicone mats. By improving conductivity, researchers unlocked the ability to deliver higher power outputs without damaging the silicone base.
Founded in 2015 to commercialise this flexible heating technology, Ohmvo today employs 20 staff, with 98% of its products manufactured at its facility 38 km south of Barcelona.
CEO Jose Llauradósai said:At Ohmvo, our mission is to provide smart, flexible and energy-efficient heating solutions that adapt to the specific needs of our clients across industries. We specialise in designing and manufacturing flexible silicone heaters that offer both technical performance and long-term reliability.
Sergio Aloisio, Ohmvo’s Sales Director said:What sets us apart is our ability to deliver highly customised solutions. We’re not a one-size-fits-all provider – we work closely with our clients to tailor every aspect of the heater, from shape and power output to control and integration. Our expertise in thermal conduction materials and etching technology, combined with agile manufacturing, allows us to support even the most demanding applications.
Ultimately, we help customers improve their processes, increase system reliability and reduce maintenance, all with a heater built precisely for their needs.
Reliable Heating for Critical Rail Applications
Ohmvo’s heaters are designed for demanding railway applications where efficiency and reliability are critical. Its lightweight solutions are highly flexible, and include:
- Embedded heating systems for cockpit covers, which prevent mechanical blocking due to ice.
- Targeted heating of areas of the driver’s cabin, such as the foot rest, lateral seat enclosures or the pedals, to provide comfort for the driving crew.
- Passenger wagon wall or floor heaters, used during normal operation, optimise energy consumption while maintaining comfort. These integrate into interior panels and provide consistent warmth throughout the journey.
- Custom wrap-around heaters for onboard water tanks and piping, preventing freezing and maintaining system functionality in hygiene and catering systems, especially in uninsulated or exposed sections of the train.
- Heaters that can be installed in doorsteps and entry thresholds to prevent ice formation and minimise slip hazards, ensuring reliable operation and passenger safety.
- Emergency braking systems heating – anti-freezing for emergency sand breaking deposits.
- Heating elements for needle exchange mechanisms on tracks.
- Battery heating to ensure the performance of electric trains.
Flexible Integration and Certified Performance
Ohmvo’s heating solutions can be specified during vehicle design or supplied as retrofits – an important option when low-temperature challenges emerge once rolling stock is already in service.
All products are fully certified to railway standards, including EN 45545 HL3 for R2 and R7 approved products, and EN 50264 / EN 50306 connection leads.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core principle guiding Ohmvo’s approach to design, manufacturing and innovation. The company prioritises energy efficiency, developing heating solutions that reduce power consumption by optimising heat transfer and eliminating losses. Its products are built for longevity, using durable materials and robust construction that extend operational life – often exceeding 20 years of continuous use at temperatures below 180°C – thereby reducing waste and lifecycle emissions.
R and D Manager, Andrés Férriz, said:Sustainability is a key consideration in everything we do. Our designs reduce power consumption by improving heat transfer and eliminating inefficiencies like heat losses. Durable materials and robust construction mean fewer replacements, reducing waste and lifecycle emissions. By customising heaters to exact requirements, we minimise excess material use and avoid over-specification.
Looking to the future
The heating technology market is evolving rapidly, driven by demand for more compact, efficient and intelligent solutions. Customers increasingly seek high-power yet space-saving systems, uniform heating distributions through advanced mats rather than wires, and greater integration with sensors and control systems. Energy efficiency, sustainability and regulatory compliance have also become defining priorities across industries.
Ohmvo’s deep materials expertise and agile design approach position it strongly to respond to these shifts, developing customised heating solutions that meet complex technical and environmental requirements.
Llauradó, says:Our materials expertise, agile design process and customer-focused approach allow us to adapt quickly to changing demands, whether it’s integrating sensors, complying with new standards, or optimising for reduced power consumption.
To learn more about the different rail applications for Ohmvo’s heating solutions, take a look at this selection of case studies or visit the organisation’s supplier page.
Key Characteristics of Ohmvo’s Rail Heating Solutions
- Extremely lightweight
- High thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer
- Energy-efficient, requiring less power to operate
- Proven durability in harsh weather conditions
