Ralf Otterpohl has studied Civil Engineering at with specializing in Water-, Wastewater and Solid Waste Management at RWTH Aachen University; before studying he became a bricklayer to learn the practical side of engineering as well. After his studies he was offered a position at the Institute of Environmental Engineering. Over a period of 6 years he did research work in the field of dynamic mathematical modelling of wastewater treatment processes and interaction with the sewerage network.
After the research position Ralf Otterpohl in 1994 he founded his own consultancy (today Otterwasser GmbH owned by Martin Oldenburg and Andrea Albold), specialized in studies on computer-simulation of large wastewater treatment plants (e.g. Bremen, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg), distribution of the software Simba (co-developed with ifak Magdeburg, today distribution with them) and the development of innovative wastewater concepts with a major project in Lübeck Flintenbreite, Baltic Sea Region, Germany. This settlement has a vacuum-blackwater system connected with a biogas plant. In Addition the consultancy developed low-cost on-site sanitation systems that where implemented in some countires in Africa.
In 1998, Ralf Otterpohl became director of the Institute of Wastewater Management and Water Protection at TUHH Hamburg University of Technology, Northern Germany. The institute has a focus on high-tech recycling systems for water, nutrients and soil conditioners, like the Blackwater Loop System of Ulrich Braun. Reuse systems on the low cost end that are under R&D at his institute are Terra Preta Sanitation systems, designed to produce highly fertile soils e.g. for reforestation. This is linked to energy production through pyrolysis in simple stoves or as high-tech heat, power and charcoal co-generation. Such systems are part of his latest research activity on rural development with a focus on local added value production including soil improvement for long term water and food security.
Rural Development teaching in the international Master-Programm „Environmental Engineering“ at TUHH and research has led Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ralf Otterpohl to the collection of an extensive rural development toolbox. Combining these tools can upgrade many degraded areas in very different climatic conditions. New Town development is the latest focal points of the research findings of the institute alongside with great and proven approaches from around the world. Studierende aus aller Welt unterrichtet.
