Ohm’s law, a century-old rule of physics, has more implications in today’s world than one might expect. At OhmIQ, we have found a way to harness the power of Ohm’s law to produce sustainable, scaleable liquid heating technology with implications for a wide range of industries. 

Ohmic technology refers to the process of heating by direct electrical conduction. All matter has a certain amount of electrical resistance, which is a property of matter that defines how much effort–or voltage–is required to push electrons (or current) through it. The result of this effort is the generation of heat. 

Our team of scientists has invented, developed, and patented a set of controls that address all the challenges of heating liquids with electricity: the need for greater precision, scalability across a range of applications, speed to reach the desired temperature, and a lack of energy efficiency in the industry. Using graphite electrodes and electronic controls, electric current is passed through liquids in a safe manner. This transfer converts electrical energy into thermal energy, creating instant and efficient heating. Nothing in the heater gets hotter than the desired temperature, resulting in no scaling or corrosion over time.

As proud as we are of our patented technology, it can be difficult for outsiders to understand how it can change their daily lives. Though it may seem niche, our technology serves a wide range of industries in specific yet impactful ways. 

OhmIQ’s technology heats liquid to its desired temperature faster than other options on the market, and it does so efficiently, leading to about 8% energy savings over the long term. The level of precise control users have over liquid temperature also can make a difference in many industries, and these precision controls improve safety overall. Finally, the OhmIQ solution reduces waste through the absence of scaling, which extends the lifespan of the product and minimizes the risk of bacteria.

A few specific ways OhmIQ can plug into work and life:

Application 1: Precision Controls in Food & Beverage

In the food & beverage industries, precise liquid temperatures are of the utmost importance. On a basic food safety and hygiene level, handwashing must occur at 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that is difficult to achieve with standard faucets. More liquid heating precision controls also can ensure food waste and bacteria are eliminated on shared utensils and plates, minimizing cross-contact and cross-contamination and putting guests’ safety at the forefront of any operation.

In terms of food preparation, Ohmic conduction is frequently used for pasteurization, blanching, and cooking of liquid and semi-liquid products such as soups, sauces, dairy products, and beverages. Precise heat controls also benefit coffee shops and similar operations where too-hot or too-cold water can ruin a delicate product.

OhmIQ provides rapid and uniform heating, reducing processing times, preserving the quality, and improving the flavor retention of the food and beverages customers order. In an industry as competitive as food & beverage, any advantage can help achieve success.

Application 2: Scalability in Commercial Real Estate

OhmIQ technology offers total decarbonization of real estate assets by eliminating gas boilers, fuel, or in some cases, steam systems, helping buildings and companies reach sustainability goals. One of the many benefits of OhmIQ’s system is its future ability to plug into small-scale residential single-family home water-warming systems or extensive multi-family units.

OhmIQ heaters also can act as as top-ups for heat pump systems in cold climates. Initial models show an 18% reduction in capital expenditure due to the need for smaller heating units and about an 8% decrease in total heating energy. 

B- & C-grade buildings instantly become A-grade with the application of OhmIQ conduction technology without large investments like façade upgrades, making this one of the fastest-return refurbishments owners can select.

Application 3: Waste Treatment in Healthcare

There are many rules and regulations within the healthcare industry, and it can be difficult for hospital systems to meet all requirements at scale without adding labor to already-strapped staff. Ohmic heating provides effective microbial inactivation without the need for chemicals or high temperatures. Therefore, it can be used in waste treatment processes for the disinfection and sterilization of wastewater, sludge, and medical waste.

Outside of waste management, Ohmic heating can be utilized in medical devices for various applications, including hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment, tissue ablation, and sterilization of medical instruments. In the pharmaceutical industry, Ohmic heating is utilized for the sterilization of liquid medications and for heating and mixing pharmaceutical formulations.

Additionally, Ohmic heat conduction frequently is used in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries for processes such as cell culture, fermentation, and purification of biomolecules. It offers precise control over temperatures, minimizing the risk of denaturation or degradation of sensitive compounds.

Other Industries

OhmIQ heating technology represents a paradigm shift in heating methods, offering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and control in a wide array of industrial applications. With its ability to deliver rapid, uniform heating while preserving the quality of the end product, OhmIQ is poised to continue revolutionizing various sectors in the years to come. Additional industry-specific use cases include:

• Chemical Processing: Ohmic heating is employed where precise and uniform heating is required, such as in polymerization, crystallization, and solids' dissolution in liquids.

• Textile Industry: Ohmic heating can be used in textile processing for dyeing, drying, and finishing.

• Environmental Remediation: Ohmic heating has potential applications in soil and groundwater remediation as well as processes like thermal desorption and soil vapor extraction, which remove contaminants from the environment.

• Materials Processing: Tasks like sintering, brazing, and welding of metals and ceramics can be improved with Ohmic heating’s precise and localized controls, reducing energy consumption and improving process control.

• Renewable Energy: Ohmic heating can be integrated into renewable energy systems for thermal energy storage and conversion of excess electricity into heat for district heating or industrial processes, contributing to grid stability.

• Cosmetics: Precise heating is crucial for maintaining product quality and stability when producing creams, lotions, and gels.

• Pools & Spas: Whether heating a small hot tub or a large pool, Ohmic heating can adjust to external factors and precisely heat large bodies of water safely and without scaling.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of problems that Ohmic heating technology can help solve across various industries and applications. Its efficiency, precision, and versatility make it a valuable tool in modern manufacturing, processing, and environmental management.