Two scientists at Desert Research Institute are the first to use a new licensing agreement designed to speed commercial application of research from university laboratories in Nevada.
Researchers Hampden Kuhns and Morien Roberts developed software and hardware that allows business owners to better manage their energy consumption. Ultimately, the researchers expect the technology also will be used by homeowners.
Their company, LoadIQ (formerly IBUCS), successfully tested the software beginning 18 months ago.
"We began testing the software, known as the Utility Accountant, in residential settings to see if we could differentiate between appliances such as toasters, washing machines, televisions, and microwaves for example, and then chart which appliances were consuming the most energy," Roberts said.
Kuhns said Web display of the data allows users to see power use for up to 10 appliances. The software also will identify peak usage.
Currently researchers are testing the Utility Accountant on a ranch in northern Nevada, with the goal to monitor well pumps used to irrigate hay fields.
The rancher also hopes the software will anticipate when an equipment failure is imminent and recommend servicing.
This summer, LoadIQ will begin other commercial testing in convenience stores to break down energy bills and find ways to reduce energy costs.
Financing for the research and startup of the company came from the California Energy Commission, the National Science Foundation U.S. Department of Energy, and the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization headquartered at Incline Village.
In March, LoadIQ was informed it won a Small Business Innovative Research proposal to fund the company for two years.
In April, the founders of LoadIQ signed a streamlined exclusive licensing agreement with the DRI/University of Nevada, Reno Technology Transfer Office called "The Nevada System of Higher Education Express."
LoadIQ was the first commercialization project to use this agreement.
