Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

March 31, 2020

or

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 0-29185

QS ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

23902 FM 2978

Tomball, TX 77375

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(805)-845-3561(281)-738-1893

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, $0.001 par value.

Check whether the Registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☒ No☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes☒ No☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes☐ No☒

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of November 10, 2017June 23, 2020 was 233,788,905.320,653,000.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), on May 15, 2020, we delayed the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, due to the impact of the coronavirus COVID-19 ("COVID-19") pandemic that made it more difficult, and therefore it has taken us more time, to finish our analysis and compile certain information necessary to make key assessments and estimates.

QS ENERGY, INC.
FORM 10-Q

INDEX

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetSheets

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated StatementStatements of Operations, Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit, Unaudited

For the NINEThree months Ended SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 and march 31, 2019

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

QS ENERGY, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Unaudited

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

QS ENERGY, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Unaudited

NINETHREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017MARCH 31, 2020 AND 20162019

QS Energy, Inc. (“QS Energy”, “Company”) was incorporated on February 18, 1998, as a Nevada Corporation under the name Mandalay Capital Corporation. The Company changed its name to Save the World Air, Inc. on February 11, 1999. Effective August 11, 2015, the Company changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. The Company’s common stock is quoted under the symbol “QSEP” on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. More information including the Company’s fact sheet, logos and media articles are available at our corporate website, www.qsenergy.com. Information included on, or accessed through, our website is not intended to be incorporated into or to be part of this Form 10-Q.

QS Energy develops and commercializes energy efficiency technologies that assist in meeting increasing global energy demands, improving the economics of oil extraction and transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Company's intellectual properties include a portfolio of domestic and international patents and patents pending, a substantial portion of which have been developed in conjunction with and exclusively licensed from Temple University of Philadelphia, PA (“Temple”). QS Energy's primary technology is called Applied Oil Technology™Technology (AOT), a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product. Engineered specifically to reduce pipeline pressure loss, increase pipeline flow rate and capacity, and reduce shippers’ reliance on diluents and drag reducing agents to meet pipeline maximum viscosity requirements, AOT is a 100% solid-state system that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil feedstock while in transit. The AOT product has transitionedis seeking to transition from the research and development stage to initial production for continued testing in advance of our goal of seeking acceptance and adoption by the midstream pipeline marketplace.

The Company plans to restart shortly commercial development of a suite of products based around the Joule Heat technology. The Company began fabrication of prototype equipment to be operated under a joint development agreement with a commercial entity in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company’s first Joule Heat prototype was installed for testing purposes at the Newfield facility in June 2015 and the system is operational; however, changes to the prototype configuration will be required to determine commercial effectiveness of this unit. In addition, the Company filed two additional provisional patents related to the technology’s method and apparatus. In December 2015, we temporarily suspended Joule Heat development activities to focus Company resources on finalizing commercial development of the AOT Midstream. We currently plan to resume Joule Heat development in 2018 depending on the availability of sufficient capital and other resources.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162020 filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20162019 included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures, including notes, required by GAAP.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present the Company's financial position and results of operations for the interim periods reflected. Except as noted, all adjustments contained herein are of a normal recurring nature. Results of operations for the fiscal periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of fiscal year-end results.

Consolidation Policy

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of QS Energy Inc. include the accounts of QS Energy Inc. (the Parent) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, QS Energy Pool, Inc. and STWA Asia Pte. Limited. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the nine-monthsthree-months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company incurred a net loss of $4,145,000,$766,000, used cash in operations of $1,369,000$301,000 and had a stockholders’ deficit of $1,459,000$2,599,000 as of that date. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

In addition, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company's December 31, 20162019 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $587,000.$274,000. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through January 2018.July 2020. Management is currently seeking additional funds, primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities for cash to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses it will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the AOT and Joule Heat technologies; costs to manufacture and ship the products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by among other things, filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed below, the Company has substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain payments to a former officer and consulting fees, during the remainder of 20172020 and beyond.

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders in case of equity financing.

Basic and Diluted Income (loss) per share

Our computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) includes basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is measured as the income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution, using the treasury stock method, that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the income (loss) of the Company as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. In computing diluted income (loss) per share, the treasury stock method assumes that outstanding options and warrants are exercised and the proceeds are used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. Options and warrants may have a dilutive effect under the treasury stock method only when the average market price of the common stock during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options and warrants. Potential common shares that have an antidilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods. Basic and diluted (loss) per common share is the same for periods in which the Company reported an operating loss because all warrants and stock options outstanding are anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, we excluded the outstanding securities summarized below, which entitle the holders thereof to acquire shares of common stock as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include those related to accruals for potential liabilities, assumptions used in valuing equity instruments issued for financing and for services and reductionrealization of deferred tax assets.assets, among others. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition Policy

The Company recognizes lease revenue upon commencement of the lease. Revenue on future product sales will be recognized upon meeting the following criteria: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred, or services rendered; the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.

In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company entered a contract to provide onsite testing services to a Canadian oil producer and pipeline operator at a fixed price of $50,000. The testing service was performed in January 2017 and was completed in March 2017.

Research and Development Costs

CostsResearch and development costs are expensed as incurred, forand consist primarily of fees paid to consultants and outside service providers, and other expenses relating to the acquisition, design, development and testing of the Company’s products. Certain research and development activities are expensedincurred under contract. In those instances, research and development costs are charged to operations ratably over the life of the underlying contracts, unless the achievement of milestones, the completion of contracted work, or other information indicates that a different expensing schedule is more appropriate. Payments made pursuant to research and development contracts are initially recorded as incurred. Purchased materials that do not have an alternative future use are also expensed. Furthermore, costs incurredadvances on research and development contract services in the constructionCompany’s consolidated balance sheet and then charged to research and development costs in the Company’s consolidated statement of prototypes with no certaintyoperations as those contract services are performed.

In January 2019, the Company paid $500,000 as a deposit under terms of any alternative future usea work order for work to be performed by a pipeline operator. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company amortized $483,000 of such amount as a research and established commercial uses are also expensed.development cost based on the progress of work performed as required by the contract, andreflected the $17,000 remaining amount as Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. In March 2020, the Company paid an additional $25,000 as a deposit under terms of a work order for additional work to be performed by a pipeline operator. During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020, the Company amortized$17,000 of such amount as a research and development cost based on the progress of work performed as required by the contract, and has reflected the $25,000 remaining amount as Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020.

For the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 20162019 research and development costs were $173,000$70,000 and $200,000,$151,000, respectively.

Patent Costs

Patent costs consist of patent-related legal and filing fees. Due to the uncertainty associated with the successful development of our AOT and Joule Heat products,product, all patent costs are expensed as incurred. During the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, patent costs were $38,000$6,000 and $49,000, respectively, and were included as part of operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, patent costs were $14,000 and $19,000,$7,000, respectively, and were included as part of operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Increase in Authorized Capital

In October 2017, the Company amended its articles of incorporation and increased its authorized shares of common stock from 300,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares. In addition, the Company also created a new class of preferred stock which the Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under current U.S. GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. The ASU also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Entities will be able to transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for all interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issuedRecent Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02,Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a corresponding lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 is effective for all interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statements and disclosures.Pronouncements

In July 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception (“ASU 2017-11”). ASU 2017-11 allows companies to exclude a down round feature when determining whether a financial instrument (or embedded conversion feature) is considered indexed to the entity’s own stock. As a result, financial instruments (or embedded conversion features) with down round features may no longer be required to be accounted for as derivative liabilities. A company will recognize the value of a down round feature only when it is triggered and the strike price has been adjusted downward. For equity-classified freestanding financial instruments, an entity will treat the value of the effect of the down round as a dividend and a reduction of income available to common shareholders in computing basic earnings per share. For convertible instruments with embedded conversion features containing down round provisions, entities will recognize the value of the down round as a beneficial conversion discount to be amortized to earnings. ASU 2017-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance in ASU 2017-11 is to be applied using a full or modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2017-11 is not currently expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

Other recentRecent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB, including its Emerging Issues Task Force, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Securities and Exchange Commission did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company's present or future consolidated financial statement presentation or disclosures.

Accrued Expenses

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company owed $197,000 and $207,000, respectively, pursuant to a separation agreement with a former executive officer effective April 1, 2017 as amended by letter agreements dated effective August 16, 2018 and March 31, 2019 which included as part of Accrued expenses and accounts payable on the accompanying balance sheet. The amount is to be repaid at an amount of $10,000 per month. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 the Company made $10,000 in payments reducing the outstanding balance to $197,000.

Accrued Expenses and Accounts Payable – Related Parties

Accrued expense and accounts payable – related parties consistconsists of accrued current salaries of officers and fees due to members of the Board of Directors.

As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2016,2019, accrued expenses and accounts payable to related parties amounted to $40,000$5,000 and $135,000,$7,000, respectively.

At September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, property and equipment consistconsists of the following:

Depreciation expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $11,000 and $5,000, respectively. Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 20162019 was $6,000$2,000 and $2,000,$1,000, respectively.

The Company issues convertible notes in exchange for cash. The notes typically do not bear any interest; however, there is an implied interest rate of 10% since the notes are typically issued at a price 10% less than its face value.discount. The notes are unsecured, and usually mature twelve months from issuance.

The notes are convertible at the option of the note holder into the Company’s common stock at a conversion price stipulated in the conversion agreement. In addition, the note holders receivedreceive warrants to purchase shares of common stock that are fully vested and will expire in one year from the date of issuance.

As a result, the Company records a note discount to account for the relative fair value of the warrants, the notes’ beneficial conversion feature or BCF, and original issue discount of 10% (OID). The note discounts are amortized over the term of the notes or amortized in full upon its conversion to common stock. At

As of December 31, 2016,2019, total outstanding notes payable amounted to $417,000, accrued penalty interest of $23,000$1,019,000 which are due through December 2019 and unamortized note discount of $92,000, or a net balance of $348,000.$153,000.

During the nine-month period ending September 30, 2017,three-month periods ended March 31, 2020, the Company issued similar convertible promissory notes in the aggregate of $1,616,000$39,000 for cash of $1,469,000$35,000 or a discount of $147,000.$4,000. The notes do not bear any interest; however, the implied interest rate used was 10% since the notes were issued at a price 10% less than its face value. The notes are unsecured, mature in twelve months from issuance and convertible at $0.05$0.035 per share. In addition, the Company also granted these note holders warrants to purchase 16,160,770550,000 shares of the Company’sCompany’ common stock. The warrants are fully vested, exercisable at $0.05$0.035 per share and will expire in one year. As a result, the Company recorded a note discount of $1,616,000$35,000 to account for the relative fair value of the warrants, the notes’ BCF,beneficial conversion feature (BCF), and OID.original issue discount (OID). The note discounts are being amortized over the term of the note or amortized in full upon the conversion to common stock.

During the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017, a total of $1,522,000March 31, 2020 notes payable wasof $219,000 were converted to 29,876,772into 3,645,673 shares of common stock. In addition, the note discount of $1,625,000 was amortized to interest expense, and interest of $42,000 was accrued.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, total outstanding notes payable amounted to $515,000,$854,000, accrued interest of $61,000$215,000 and unamortized note discount of $83,000$86,000 for a net balance of $493,000. In addition, a$983,000. A total of foursixteen notes amounting to $381,000in the aggregate of $600,000 have reached maturity and are past due. The Company is currently in negotiations with the noteholders to settle the matured notes payable.

The Company constructs, develops and tests the AOT technologytechnologies with internal resources and through the assistance of various third-party entities. Costs incurred and expensed include fees such as license fees, purchase of test equipment, pipeline pumping equipment, crude oil tank batteries, viscometers, SCADA systems, computer equipment, payroll and other related equipment and various logistical expenses for the purposes of evaluating and testing the Company’s AOT prototypes.

Costs incurred for research and development are expensed as incurred. Purchased materials that do not have an alternative future use are also expensed. Furthermore, costs incurred in the construction of prototypes with no certainty of any alternative future use and established commercial uses are also expensed.

For the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, our research and development expenses were $173,000$70,000 and $200,000$151,000, respectively. For the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our research and development expenses were $53,000 and $52,000, respectively.

AOT Product Development and Testing

During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred total expenses of $30,000 and $59,000, respectively, in the manufacture, delivery and testing of the AOT prototype equipment. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred total expenses of $6,000 and $5,000, respectively. These expenses have been reflected as part of Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

AOT Product Development and Testing

The Company constructs, develops and tests the AOT technologies with internal resources and through the assistance of various third-party entities. Costs incurred and expensed include fees such as testing fees, purchase of test equipment, pipeline pumping equipment, crude oil tank batteries, viscometers, SCADA systems, computer equipment, payroll and other related equipment and various logistical expenses for the purposes of evaluating and testing the Company’s AOT prototypes.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred costs related to a work order for work to be performed by a pipeline operator under which the Company paid a $500,000 deposit in advance of work to be performed. During the period ended December 31, 2019, the Company amortized $483,000 of such amount as a research and development cost based on the progress of work performed as required by the contract, and reflected the $17,000 remaining amount on deposit as Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019. During the period ended March 31, 2020, the Company amortized the remaining $17,000 of such amount as a research and development cost based on the progress of work performed as required by the contract.

During the period ended March 31, 2020, the work order was increased by $25,000 and the Company paid an additional $25,000 deposit in advance of work to be performed, and has reflected the $25,000 remaining amount on deposit as Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020.

Temple University Licensing AgreementAgreements

On August 1, 2011, the Company and Temple University (“Temple”) entered into two (2) Exclusive License Agreements (collectively, the “License Agreements”) relating to Temple’s patent applications, patents and technical information pertaining to technology associated with an electric and/or magnetic field assisted fuel injector system (the “First Temple License”), and to technology to reduce crude oil viscosity (the “Second Temple License”). The License Agreements are exclusive, and the territory licensed to the Company is worldwide and replace previously issued License Agreements.

Pursuant to the two licensing agreements, the Company agreed to paypaid Temple the following: (i)a non-refundable license maintenance fee of $300,000; (ii)$300,000 and agreed to pay (i) annual maintenance fees of $187,500; (iii)(ii) royalty fee ranging from 4% up to 7% from revenues generated from the licensing agreements; and (iv)(iii) 25% of all revenues generated from sub-licensees to secure or maintain the sub-license or option thereon. Temple also agreed to defer $37,500 of the amount due if the Company agreed to fund at least $250,000 in research or development of Temple’s patent rights licensed to the Company. The term of the licenses commenced in August 2011 and will expire upon the expiration of the patents. The agreementagreements can also be terminated by either party upon notification under terms of the licensing agreements or if the Company ceases the development of the patent or failurefails to commercialize the patent rights.

Total expenses recognized during each nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 20162019 pursuant to these two agreements amounted to $173,000. Total expenses recognized during each three-month period ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 pursuant to these two agreementsLicense Agreements amounted to $47,000 respectively. These expenses haveand has been reflected in Research and Development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. In the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company also recognized penalty interest on past-due balances of $12,000 and $21,000, respectively, which is included as part of interest and financing expense in the accompanying statements of operations.

As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2016,2019, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to these agreements amounted to $727,000,are $1,314,000 and $1,255,000, respectively, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

In July 2017, the Company and Temple amended the Second Temple License agreement. Pursuant to the amendment, the Company paid Temple $62,000 and Temple agreed to defer payment of the remaining $135,000 in unpaid licensing fee until such time the Company generates revenues totaling $835,000 from the license. In addition, the unpaid balance of $135,000 will accrue interest of 9% per annum.

As of September 30, 2017, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to theselicense agreements amounted to $786,000, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. With regards to the unpaid fees to Temple, a total of $108,000 are current, $370,000$135,000 are deferred until such time the Company achieves a revenue milestone of $835,000 or upon termination of the licensing agreements and the remaining $308,000$1,179,000 are deemed past due. The Company is currently in negotiationsdiscussions with Temple to settle or cure the past due balance.

The Company generated $50,000 in revenue from the viscosity reduction license during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. This amount is not sufficient to be subject to additional license fees under the license agreement. No revenues were earned from the two license agreementsLicense Agreements during the nine-month periodthree-month periods ended September 2016.

Temple University Sponsored Research Agreement

On March 19, 2012, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement (“Research Agreement”) with Temple University (“Temple”), whereby Temple, under the direction of Dr. Rongjia Tao, performed research related to the Company’s AOT device (the “Project”), for the period April 1, 2012, through April 1, 2014. All rights31, 2020 and title to intellectual property resulting from Temple’s work related to the Project were subjected to the Exclusive License Agreements between Temple and the Company, dated August 1, 2011. In exchange for Temple’s research efforts on the Project, the Company has agreed to pay Temple $500,000, payable in quarterly installments of $62,500. The agreement expired in August 2015.

On July 14, 2017, the Company and Temple reached agreement to settle these past due amounts under a payment plan, paying the amount before the end of December 2017.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, total unpaid fees due to Temple pursuant to this agreement amounted to $29,000 and $78,000, respectively, which are included as part of Accounts Payable – licensing agreement in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.March 31,2019.

In addition, Temple continues to provide laboratory testing and support related to the Company’s commercialization efforts. This continuing work is provided on at a fixed price, on an ad hoc basis depending upon the scope of work. During the nine-month period ending September 30, 2017, the Company incurred a total of $2,000 in ad hoc testing with Temple University. No ad hoc testing was performed during the three-month period ending September 30, 2017. Temple ad hoc testing expense is reported as part of Research and development expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company issued a total of 34,303,8794,860,673 shares of its common stock as follows:

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants to directors, employees and non-employees in capital raising transactions, for services and for financing costs. Options vest and expire according to terms established at the grant date.

Options

Options vest according to the terms of the specific grant and expire from 2 to 10 years from date of grant. The weighted-average, remaining contractual life of employee and non-employee options outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was 5.94.8 years. Stock option activity for the period January 1, 20172020 up to September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, was as follows:

The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for options granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 were as follows:

During the nine-monththree-month period ending September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, and pursuant to the Company’s Board Compensation policy approved by the Board June 19, 2015, the Company granted options to purchase 8,339,2852,699,998 shares of common stock to members of the Company’s Board of Directors.Directors and an executive officer under terms of an employment agreement. The options are exercisable at $0.05$0.03 to $0.19$0.15 per share, vest monthly over a twelve-month period, and expire ten years from the date granted. Total fair value of these options at grant date was $909,000$338,000 using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model with the following assumptions: life of 55.5 years; risk free interest rate of 1.94%1.6% to 1.7%; volatility of 123%128% to 144%,138% and dividend yield of 0%.

During the nine-month period ending September 30, 2017, the Company granted two officers and employees of the Company stock options to purchase a total of 4,222,567 shares of common stock. The stock options vest over a two-year period, exercisable at a price range of $0.07 through $0.40 per share and will expire in 10 years. Total fair value of the stock options amounted to $246,000 which will be expensed over the vesting period. In addition, as a result of the resignation of the Company’s CEO and three members of the Board of Directors, the Company agreed to modify the vesting term of 4.5 million options granted to them in January 2017 and fully vested those options resulting in a charge of $308,000 to account for the fair value of these options. There were no other changes in the remaining terms of the original grant.

During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized total compensation costs based on the fair value of options that vested of $653,000 and $265,000 respectively, which is included in Operating expenses in the Company’s statement of operations. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 and 2016,2019, the Company recognized compensation costs based on the fair value of options that vested of $117,000$115,000 and $84,000 respectively, which is included in Operating expenses in the Company’s statement of operations.$99,000 respectively.

During the periodthree-month periods ended September 30, 2017, the Company issued 271,752March 31, 2020, a Board Member exercised an option to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock uponat an exercise price of stock options which resulted in proceeds$0.05 per share for a total exercise price of $25,000.$3,000.

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company’s closing stock price was $0.29$0.07 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of the options outstanding at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was $3,042,000.$133,000. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding options at September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 is $295,000approximately $245,000 to be recognized through December 2017.2020.

Warrants

The following table summarizes certain information about the Company’s stock purchase warrants activity for the period starting January 1, 20172020 up to September 30, 2017.March 31, 2020.

The weighted average exercise prices, remaining contractual lives for warrants granted, exercisable, and expected to vest as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 were as follows:

DuringIn the nine-monththree-month period ending September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, pursuant to terms of convertible notes issued, the Company granted warrants to purchase 16,160,770550,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.05$.05 per share, vesting immediately upon grant and expiring one year from the date of grant (see Note 5)5, above).

During

In the three-month period ended September 30, 2017,ending March 31, 2020, the Company issued 3,974,000warrants to purchase 99,999 shares of common stock upon exercisein exchange for services. The warrants are exercisable at a price of warrants which resulted in proceeds$0.04 to $0.14, vesting one month from the date of $337,000.

Duringgrant and expiring two years from the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized compensation costsdate of $1,000 and $108,000, respectively, based on thegrant. Total fair value of warrants previously issued for services that vested duringthese options at grant date was $7,000 using the period, which is included in Operating expenses inBlack-Scholes Option Pricing model with the Company’s statementfollowing assumptions: life of operations.2 years; risk free interest rate of 0.4% to 1.5%; volatility of 163% to 173% and dividend yield of 0%. During the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016,March 31, 2020, the Company recognized compensation costs of $2,000 and $21,000, respectively, based on the fair value of warrants that vested which is includedof $7,000.

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, warrants to acquire 1,155,000 shares of common stock were exercised resulting in Operating expenses innet proceeds to the Company’s statementCompany of operations.$58,000.

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of the warrants outstanding was $3,638,000. Future unamortized compensation expense on the unvested outstanding warrants at September 30, 2017 is approximately $1,000 to be recognized through July 2018.$20,000.

There is no current or pending litigation of any significance with the exception of the matters that have arisen under, and are being handled in, the normal course of business.

On April 1, 2017,QS Energy is working to maintain normal operations during the current COVID-19 pandemic under social distancing and shelter-in-place guidelines as recommended or required by the CDC, federal, state and county government agencies. The Company executed a separation agreementhas moved many operational functions to the cloud. Our employees can perform most vital functions remotely. Most day-to-day operations have been minimally impacted by COVID-19. It is unclear what impact COVID-19 may have on our supply chain, or on our ability to operate on-site at the demonstration project. The Company has experienced delays and release effective withcost overruns due to COVID-19 impacts on our supply chain. We have not been made aware of any COVID-19 restrictions at the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). As part ofdemonstration site that would impact our ability to restart our demonstration testing. No assurances can be made that COVID-19 will not materially affect our supply chain, will not negatively affect access to the agreement,demonstration site, restrict operations at the Company agreeddemonstration site, or negatively impact our ability to pay the CEO $580,000 in severance, payable in equal installment over 24 months. In addition, the Company also agreed to pay the CEO’s medical insurance for 24 months and provide use of a cell phone for 12 months with an estimated cost of $44,000. As a result, the Company accrued the entire amount of $624,000 which was also reported as part of Operating Expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements offund continued operations. As of September 30, 2017, the outstanding balance amounted to $468,000 which was reported as part of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Amendment to ArticlesUnregistered Sales of Incorporation or BylawsEquity Securities

On October 10, 2017,From March 1, 2020, through June 23, 2020, the Company filed a Certificateissued and sold to accredited US investors an aggregate of Amendment$230,000 Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Notes”) and warrants to the Company’s Articlespurchase an aggregate of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State to increase the Company’s authorized2,735,238 shares of common stock (the “Warrants”). The Company received proceeds from 300 million to 500 millionthe private placement of $209,000, which funds were used, and to create a new class of preferred stockare being used, for general corporate purposes and authorize the Company to issue up to 100 million shares of preferred stock.working capital.

Exercise of Warrants

From October 1, 2017 upThe Notes are due twelve (12) months from their respective issuance dates (the “Maturity Date”). The Notes do not bear interest and were issued in the face amount equal to October 20, 2017, the Company issued 440,000 shares of restricted common stock on the exercise of warrants in aggregate value of $22,000.

Amendment to Employment Agreement

On November 13, 2017, in an effort to clarify and more accurately reflect the original intentions110% of the Company and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in signing the employment agreement between them (the “Employment Agreement”), the Company executed an amendment to the Employment Agreement (the “Amendment”). Pursuant to the Amendment, any transactions involving the Company’s AOT technology, executed by the Company during the term of the Employment Agreement, shall be considered sourced by the CEO for the purposes of bonus eligibility. Any payments received by the Company as a result of such transactions shall be deemed net of any fees or commissions for the purpose of calculating bonus payments.purchasers’ commitments. The terms of the bonus structure under the Employment Agreement is otherwise unchanged. In addition, pursuant to the Amendment, the CEO shall be eligible to participate in any group health insurance plan offered by the Company to employees, or, should the CEO select private health insurance outsideNotes are convertible into shares of the Company’s group plan,common stock at a rate of $0.035 per share. If the CEONotes are not paid in full by the Maturity Date, the balance remaining on the Maturity Date shall receive each month an amount frombe increased by 10% and the Company equalshall be required to pay interest at a rate of 10% per annum thereon until all sums thereunder are paid in full.

The Warrants are exercisable into shares of the Company’s common stock for a term of one (1) year at an exercise price of $0.035 per share. The Warrants also contain provisions that protect the holders against dilution by adjustment of the conversion price in certain events involving a reduction or increase in the Company’s shares.

The offering was made to U.S. “accredited investors,” as the term is defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and was made without general advertising or solicitation. The securities sold in the offering were not registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state, and were offered and sold in reliance on exemptions from registration including the exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act, and corresponding provisions of state securities law, which, respectively, exempt transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering or transactions with non-U.S. Investors.

Of these aggregate amounts, the Company received proceeds of $174,000 on the sale of $191,000 in Notes and Warrants to purchase 2,735,238 shares of common stock were purchased subsequent to the premium paid byMarch 31, 2020 reporting date of this Form 10-Q.

A copy of the CEO for such private health insurance.offering is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2.

Conversion of Convertible Notes

From April 1, 2020 up to June 26, 2020, Company issued 5,680,791 shares of common stock upon conversion of previously issued convertible notes in aggregate value of $235,000

Exercise of Warrants

From April 1, 2020 up to June 26, 2020, the Company issued 1,045,000 shares of common stock upon the exercise of previously issued warrants for aggregate cash proceeds of $52,000

Cares Act Funding

In June 2020, the Company (“Borrower”) entered into an unsecured promissory note with Cadence Bank (“Lender”) in the amount of $151,200 (“Note”). The Note is payable in 53 monthly consecutive principal and interest payments of $2,584.57 each, beginning January 2, 2021, with interest calculated on the unpaid principal balances using an interest rate of 1.000% per annum based on a year of 360 days. This estimated final payment is based on the assumption that all payments will be made exactly as scheduled; the actual final payment will be for all principal and accrued interest not yet paid, together with any other unpaid amounts under this Note.

The Lender made this loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program (the "PPP") created by Section 1102 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") and governed by the CARES Act, section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act, any rules or guidance that has been issued by the Small Business Administration implementing the PPP, or any other applicable Loan Program Requirements, as defined in 13 CFR 120.10, as amended from time to time (collectively "PPP Loan Program Requirements"). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Borrower (a) agrees that this Promissory Note shall be interpreted and construed to be consistent with the PPP Loan Program Requirements and (b) authorizes the Lender to unilaterally amend any provision to the Promissory Note to the extent required to comply with the PPP Loan Program Requirements.

Borrower may apply to Lender for forgiveness of the amount due under terms of the Note. A copy of the Note is attached as Exhibit 10.1.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data referred to in this Form 10-Q.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such statements, which include statements concerning future revenue sources and concentration, selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses, capital resources, additional financings and additional losses, are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, particularlyand in the “Risk Factors,”Factors” that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the information set forth in this Form 10-Q is as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, and we undertake no duty to update this information.

Overview

QS Energy, Inc. (“QS Energy” or “Company” or “we” or “us” or “our”) develops and commercializesseeks to commercialize energy efficiency technologies that assist in meeting increasing global energy demands, improving the economics of oil extraction and transport, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Company's intellectual properties include a portfolio of domestic and international patents and patents pending, a substantial portion of which have been developed in conjunction with and exclusively licensed from Temple University of Philadelphia, PA (“Temple”). QS Energy's primary technology is called Applied Oil Technology™Technology (AOT), a commercial-grade crude oil pipeline transportation flow-assurance product. Engineered specifically to reduce pipeline pressure loss, increase pipeline flow rate and capacity, and reduce shippers’ reliance on diluents and drag reducing agents to meet pipeline maximum viscosity requirements, AOT is a 100% solid-state system that reduces crude oil viscosity by applying a high intensity electrical field to crude oil feedstock while in transit. AOT technology delivers reductions in crude oil viscosity and pipeline pressure loss as demonstrated in independent third-party tests performed by the U.S. Department of Energy, the PetroChina Pipeline R&D Center, and ATS RheoSystems, a division of CANNON™, at full-scale test facilities in the U.S. and China, and under commercial operating conditions on one of North America’s largest high-volume crude oil pipelines. Recent testing on a commercial crude oil condensate pipeline demonstrated high correlation between laboratory analysis and full-scale AOT operations under commercial operating conditions with onsite measurements and data collected by the pipeline operator on its supervisory control and data acquisition (“SCADA”) system. The AOT product has transitioned from laboratory testing and ongoing research and development to initial production and continued testing in advance of our goal of seeking acceptance and adoption by the midstream pipeline marketplace. We continue to devote the bulk of our efforts to the promotion, design, testing and the commercial manufacturing and operations of our crude oil pipeline products in the upstream and midstream energy sector. We anticipate that these efforts will continue during 2017 and 2018.

Our Company was incorporated on February 18, 1998, as a Nevada Corporation under the name Mandalay Capital Corporation. The Company changed its name to Save the World Air, Inc. on February 11, 1999. Effective August 11, 2015, the Company changed its name to QS Energy, Inc. The name change was affected through a short-form merger pursuant to Section 92A.180 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. Additionally, QS Energy Pool, Inc., a California corporation, was formed as a wholly-ownedwholly owned subsidiary of the Company on July 6, 2015 to serve as a vehicle for the Company to explore, review and consider acquisition opportunities. To date, QS Energy Pool has not entered into any acquisition transaction. However, the Company willmay still consider entering into potential beneficial acquisitions. The Company is considering dissolving QS Energy Pool to reduce costs associated with operating this subsidiary. The Company’s common stock is quoted under the symbol “QSEP” on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. More information including the Company’s updates, fact sheet, logos and media articles are available at our corporate website, www.qsenergy.com.

Between 2011 and 2012, the Company transitioned from prototype testing of its AOT technology at the U.S. Department of Energy Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center, Midwest, Wyoming (“RMOTC”), to the design and production of full-scale commercial prototype units. The Company worked in a collaborative engineering environment with multiple energy industry companies to refine the AOT Midstream commercial design to comply with the stringent standards and qualification processes as dictated by independent engineering audit groups and North American industry regulatory bodies. In May 2013, the Company’s first commercial prototype unit known as AOT Midstream, was completed.

In 2013, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“TransCanada Lease”) with TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. by its agent TC Oil Pipeline Operations, Inc. ("TransCanada") which agreed to lease and test the effectiveness of the Company’s AOT technology and equipment on one of TransCanada’s operating pipelines. As previously reported in our Form 10-K report filed with the SEC on March 16, 2015,30, 2020, QS Energy’s AOT technology has been tested in June 2014,a variety of configurations at small-scale in the equipment was accepted by TransCanadalaboratory and at full-scale in the lease commencedfield under commercial operating conditions, including tests performed U.S. Department of Energy, the PetroChina Pipeline R&D Center, and the first full test of the AOT equipment on the Keystone pipeline was performed in July 2014 by Dr. Rongjia Tao of Temple University, with subsequent testing performed by an independent laboratory, ATS RheoSystems, a division of CANNON™ (“ATS”). The Company’s first two full-scale midstream pipeline installations were on TransCanada’s Keystone pipeline in September 2014. Upon review of the July 2014 test results and preliminary reporta pipeline operated by Dr. Tao, QS Energy and TransCanada mutually agreed that this initial test was flawed due to, among other factors, the short-term nature of the test, the inability to isolate certain independent pipeline operating factors such as fluctuations in upstream pump station pressures, and limitations of the AOT device to produce a sufficient electric field to optimize viscosity reduction. Subsequent testing by ATS in September 2014 demonstrated viscosity reductions of 8% to 23% depending on flow rates and crude oil types in transit. In its summary report, ATS concluded that i) data indicated a decrease in viscosity of crude oil flowing through the TransCanada pipeline due to AOT treatment of the crude oil; and ii) the power supply installed on our equipment would need to be increased to maximize reduction in viscosity and take full advantage of the AOT technology. While more testing is required to establish the commercial efficacy of our AOT technology, we are encouraged by the findings of these field tests performed under commercial operating conditions. The TransCanada Lease was terminated by TransCanada, effective October 15, 2014. Upon termination of the TransCanada Lease, all equipment was uninstalled, returned, inspected and configured for re-deployment.

On July 15, 2014, the Company entered into an Equipment Lease/Option to Purchase Agreement (“Kinder Morgan Lease”) with Kinder Morgan Crude & Condensate, LLC (“Kinder Morgan”) under which Kinder Morgan agreedin 2015. Tests performed at these two facilities were limited due primarily to leasetechnical issues with the AOT equipment. Although tests at these facilities provided limited sets of data, the equipment did not operate properly, and testno conclusions could be reached regarding the effectivenessefficacy or commercial viability of the Company’sAOT technology. Also, in 2014, the Company began development of a product based on an electrical heat system which reduces oil viscosity through a process known as joule heat (“Joule Heat”). In December 2015, we suspended Joule Heat development activities to focus Company resources on finalizing commercial development of the AOT. For more information regarding prior history, development and testing of the AOT technology, and equipment on one of Kinder Morgan’s operating pipelines. Equipment provided under the Lease includes a single AOT Midstream pressure vessel with a maximum flow capacity of 5,000 gallons per minute. The equipment was deliveredspecifics regarding these earlier tests and technical issues experience, please refer to Kinder Morgan in December 2014 and installed in March 2015. In April 2015, during pre-start testing, low electrical impedance was measured in the unit, indicating an electrical short. A replacement unit was installed May 2015. The second unit also presented with low impedance when flooded with crude condensate from Kinder Morgan’s pipeline. Subsequent to design modifications, a remanufactured AOT unit was installed and tested at Kinder Morgan’s pipeline facility in August 2015. Initial results were promising,our Form 10-K filed with the unit operating generally as expected. However, voltage dropped as preliminary tests continued, indicating decreased impedance within the AOT pressure vessel. QS Energy personnel and outside consultants performed a series of troubleshooting assessments and determined that, despite modifications made to the AOT, conductive materials present in the crude oil condensate continued to be the root cause of the decreased impedance. BasedSEC on these results, QS Energy and Kinder Morgan personnel mutually agreed to put a hold on final acceptance of equipment under the lease and temporarily suspend in-field testing to provide time to re-test crude oil condensate in a laboratory setting, and thoroughly review and test selected AOT component design and fabrication. Subsequent analysis and testing led to changes in electrical insulation, inlet flow improvements and other component modifications. These design changes were implemented and tested by Industrial Screen and Maintenance (ISM), one of QS Energy's supply chain partners in Casper, Wyoming. Tests performed by ISM at its Wyoming facility indicated significant improvements to system impedance and efficiency of electric field generation.

In February 2016, the modified AOT equipment was installed at Kinder Morgan’s facility. Pre-acceptance testing was performed in April 2016, culminating in more than 24 hours of continuous operations. In-field viscosity measurements and pipeline data collected during this test indicated the AOT equipment operated as expected, resulting in viscosity reductions equivalent to those measured under laboratory conditions. Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (“SCADA”) pipeline operating data collected by Kinder Morgan during this test indicated a pipeline pressure drop reduction consistent with expectations. Kinder Morgan provided the Company with a number of additional crude oil samples which were tested in the laboratory for future test correlation and operational planning purposes. Based on final analysis of in-field test results, SCADA operating data and subsequent analysis of crude oil samples at Temple University, Kinder Morgan and QS Energy are considering moving the AOT test facility to a different, higher-volume pipeline location. The Kinder Morgan Lease is currently in suspension and lease payments have not yet commenced.

Southern Research Institute (SRI) was engaged by QS Energy in 2015 to investigate the root cause of the crude oil condensate impedance issue by replicating conditions experienced in the field utilizing a laboratory-scaled version of the AOT and crude oil condensate samples provided by Kinder Morgan. In addition, QS Energy retained an industry expert petroleum pipeline engineer to review the AOT design and suggest design modifications to resolve the crude oil condensate impedance issue. This engineer has studied design details, staff reports and forensic photographs of each relevant AOT installation and test. Based on these investigations, specific modifications were proposed to resolve the impedance issue, and improve the overall efficiency of the AOT device, resulting in a new value-engineered design of certain AOT internal components.

The Company is actively seeking new deployments of its AOT technology. In August 2015, QS Energy was invited to an offshore oil transfer platform in the Gulf of Mexico. This offshore platform was assessed by QS Energy personnel for a potential deployment of the AOT viscosity reduction technology as a solution for super-heavy crude oil flow assurance issues. Following the site visit, subject to non-disclosure agreements executed by all parties, laboratory testing was performed on crude oil samples provided by the operator, which demonstrated significant AOT viscosity reductions. Detailed hydraulic analysis based on laboratory results and pipeline operating parameters was presented to the operator demonstrating potential benefits of AOT technology within the operator’s specified infrastructure. Based on this analysis, the Company was directed by the operator to prepare a preliminary configuration for AOT units optimized for the operator’s high-volume, space-constrained operations. Company engineers and supply chain partners have prepared an optimized configuration and production budget. Based on this optimized configuration, the operator is considering an onsite pilot test with full scale AOT equipment for deployment in 2018 or 2019.

The Company is in discussions with a large Middle Eastern oil company regarding AOT technology in the Middle East, having tested multiple oil samples provided by this oil company at Temple University in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, the Company tested multiple oil samples provided by the Middle Eastern oil company, the most recent of which was completed in October 2017. These tests demonstrated AOT viscosity reductions on the subject samples of 20% to 50% in a laboratory setting.

During the third quarter 2016, the Company developed a new onsite testing program designed to accelerate the AOT sales cycle. This program utilizes a fully functional laboratory-scale AOT device designed and developed by the Company in 2015, and tested at the Southern Research Institute. Under this new program, Company engineers will set up a temporary lab at the customer’s site to test a full range of crude oils. Fees charged for providing this service will be dependent on scope of services, crude oil sample to be tested, and onsite time requirements. This program has received a positive response from potential customers. In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company entered a contract to provide these onsite testing services to a Canadian oil producer and pipeline operator over a one-week period in early 2017 at a fixed price of $50,000. This initial test was performed in January 2017; data analysis and final report was completed in March 2017.30, 2020.

In July 2017, the Company filed for trademark protection for the word “eDiluent” in advance of rolling out a new marketing and revenue strategy based on the concept of using AOT to reduce pipeline dependence upon diluent to reduce viscosity of crude oils. A primary function of AOT is to reduce viscosity by means of its solid-state electronics technology;technology, in essence providing an electronic form of diluent, or “eDiluent”. TheSubject to successful testing of our AOT technology and the availability of sufficient operating capital, the Company plans to market and sell a value-added service under the name eDiluent, designed to be upsold by the Company’s midstream pipeline customers in an effort to provide the Company with long-term recurring revenues.

We are in discussions with several oil companies regarding installation of

Throughout 2018 our primary strategic goal was focused on installing and operating a demonstration AOT unit. The Company recently received anproject on a commercial crude oil sample from U.S. midstreampipeline. Much of our time was spent meeting with industry executives and engineers in North and South America and working with local representatives in the Asian and the Middle Eastern markets. In December 2018, we reached mutual agreement with a major U.S.-based pipeline operator on a demonstration project under which we would install and operate our AOT equipment on a crude oil company, and is preparing to test this oil samplepipeline located in the Southern United States. We believe the selected project site could be ideal for demonstration purposes, delivering heavy crudes which, based on samples tested at Temple University, duringand, subject to the fourth quarter 2017. The Company is in active discussionsdiscussion below, could experience significant viscosity reduction when treated with a number of prospective customers in the South American market operating in areas highly reliant on naphtha, on a very expensive crude oil product, as diluent to achieve required viscosity reduction.our AOT technology.

While management focused on finding a partner and finalizing terms of the demonstration project, and in our continuing efforts to commercialize our AOT technology, our engineering team worked throughout 2018 to prepare one of our inventoried AOT units for deployment. All system upgrades, inspections and testing protocols were completed in December 2018. The pipeline operator finalized site selection and began site design and engineering in January 2019, completing site preparation and equipment installation in June 2019. The project was installed within budget, quality compliant, and without safety incidents. The system passed the pre-start safety review, data acquisition signal verifications, and mechanical inspections. Under full crude oil flow, the system was confirmed to have no leaks and no environmental issues were noted. Data collected during the full-flow startup phase confirmed internal differential pressures to be negligible and consistent with design specifications. However, when the system was energized, and the unit was run-up to high-voltage operations, the primary power supply began to operate erratically and had to be taken offline. Subsequent inspection determined the primary power supply had failed.

After removing the primary power supply, our engineers reconfigured the system to run off a smaller secondary power supply. Although this unit was not capable of achieving target treatment voltage, we performed limited testing and troubleshooting measures, after which the damaged power supply was shipped to the manufacturer for expedited repair and reconditioning. Inspections performed during the repair process indicated internal power supply components had been physically damaged. Though not definitive, it appears that damage may have occurred during transit prior to initial installation at the demonstration site. While the demonstration project was offline for power supply repairs, our engineering team worked with oil samples pulled from the operating pipeline for testing at our Tomball laboratory facility. These tests were designed to confirm our target power requirements as accurately as possible and help us fine-tune enhancements planned for a new optimized AOT internal grid pack design we had planned to test at the demonstration site as part of our continuing reliability engineering effort.

During initial testing with the small power supply, current draw was greater than prior field deployments. While it was expected that the small power supply would not achieve treatment voltage, as voltage was increased, actual current draw experienced under test conditions exceeded the operating limit of the power supply. Subsequent laboratory and in-field testing performed at our Tomball facility showed the electrical conductivity of the oil to be quite high and in line with field observations. Although these tests indicated the unit was generally functioning properly, results further indicated the damaged power supply, once repaired, would not be capable of providing sufficient power to fully treat the crude oil due to the oil’s high electrical conductivity. In 2014,anticipation of this result, the Company began developmenthad initiated parallel tasks in advance of testing of: i) installation of the repaired power supply and performance of limited testing to confirm laboratory and in-field test results; and ii) procurement of a new suitepower supply capable of productsproviding significantly more power and a modified AOT grid pack assembly reconfigured and generally optimized based aroundon the new electrical heatlatest laboratory and in-field test results.

When the repaired power supply was installed in August 2019, the system which reducesoperated as expected, and limited testing was performed. Results of this limited testing were consistent with laboratory tests performed to date. As expected, the repaired power supply was not capable of providing sufficient power to fully treat the crude oil viscosity through a process known as joule heat (“Joule Heat”). Theunder commercial operating conditions. Based on results of this limited testing, Company is designingengineers completed designs and optimizing the Joule Heat technology for the upstream oil transportation market. The Company filed two provisional patents relatedbegan implementation of modifications to the technology’s methodAOT internal grid pack assembly.

The new high capacity power supply and apparatusmodified grid pack were installed in December 2019. However, prior to flooding the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively.system with crude oil, early-phase startup testing indicated an electrical short circuit. Subsequent inspection revealed damage to the internal grid pack which likely occurred during installation or during the startup testing cycle. The first of the two provisional patentsgrid pack was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status on April 29, 2014. The second of the two provisional patents was finalized and submitted to non-provisional status at the end of the third quarter 2014.shipped offsite for repairs with reinstallation scheduled for January 2020.

The AOT demonstration project continued to experience setbacks during the first quarter of 2020. After repairing and re-installing the modified grid pack, the system shut down again during commissioning presenting with error conditions similar to the December 2019 failure. At that time, based on external inspections and on-site testing, our engineers suspected the grid pack had again been damaged during re-installation and that such suspected damage was the most likely cause of the electrical short circuit. It was determined at that time the best course of action would be to remove the modified grid pack and re-install the original grid pack which had previously been installed multiple times without sustaining damage, and perform a detailed inspection of the modified grid pack in an effort to determine the cause of the electrical short circuit.

Executing this plan, our team removed the modified grid pack and re-installed the original grid pack assembly in January 2020. After removal, our engineers performed a detailed inspection of the modified grid pack. Inconsistent with expectations, no damage to the modified grid pack was found during this inspection, leaving the cause of the electrical short circuit undiagnosed.

In October 2014, QS Energy entered intoJanuary and February 2020, our engineers tested and attempted to operate the AOT under a Joint Development Agreementvariety of conditions. In these tests, the system could be run at high voltage under static “shut-in” conditions; however, the system continued to shut down due to an electrical short circuit when operated under pressure. In simple terms, this means the system could be flooded with Newfield Exploration Company (“Newfield”) to test a prototype of QS Energy Joule Heat equipment, and combined Joule Heat and AOT technology, on a crude oil pipeline servingand powered up in excess of 10,000 volts when the Greater Monument Butte oilfield located insystem was shut-in by closing the Uintah Basin of Utah. This test ofintake and outtake valves which isolates the Joule Heat technology provides ideal conditions to demonstrate efficiency and efficacy. The Uintah Basin is 5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level with average low winter temperatures of 16ºF. Crude oil pumpedsystem from the region is highly paraffinic withpipeline’s operating pressure. However, once the consistency of shoe polish at room temperature. Uintah's black wax crude must remain at a minimum of 95ºF and yellow wax above 115ºF and therefore requires a substantial amount of heat to keep it above its high pour point. Operators in the upstream market often run at temperatures of 140ºF to 160ºF. Newfield, like many other companies in the region, incurs significant operating expense in the form of fuel and power used to heat the waxy crude and counter the cold climate conditions characteristic of Utah. The Company’s first Joule Heat prototype was installed for testing purposes at the Newfield facility in June 2015valves were opened and the system is operational; however, changeswas subjected to the prototype configurationpipeline’s operating pressure, the system developed an electrical short circuit and shut down.

As the presence of high pressure appeared to trigger the short circuit, our engineers believe it is unlikely the fault was in the grid pack assembly as this component was fully submerged in crude oil and would generally subjected to equal pressure on all components. The electrical short was more likely developing in the electrical connection assembly built into the blind flange at the top of the pressure vessel, which would be subjected to high pressure under normal operating conditions. Unfortunately, this electrical connection assembly could not be inspected without destroying the assembly itself. Instead, our engineers developed a plan to rebuild the blind flange and electrical connection assembly and modify the design to better isolate and insulate all electrical pathways, connections, and components.

While the blind flange assembly was being remanufactured, we took the opportunity to implement a number of relatively minor modifications to other system configurations which had been planned for future units based on results of our engineering team’s reliability engineering work over the past two years. These modifications were designed to improve the reliability of internal electrical connections, increase the structural support of the internal grid pack, and maintain higher quality control over internal component positioning and alignment during vertical installation.

As of March 31, 2020, we were in the process of finalizing the timelines and budget for this plan based on vendor backlog for each of the tasks. Based on progress to date, reinstallation and commissioning of the modified equipment should be completed in June 2020. Subject to successful commissioning of the equipment, testing is scheduled to resume by the end of June 2020, or shortly thereafter.

For information regarding developments at the AOT demonstration test site subsequent to the March 31, 2020 reporting date of this Form 10-Q, see Item 5, below.

The Company’s ability to continue operations at the demonstration site is dependent upon continued support of pipeline management and our ability to fund continued operations. We can provide no assurances pipeline management will continue to support ongoing work at the demonstration site, or that our plan to rebuild and test the electrical connection assembly will be requiredsuccessful. Because of our inability to determine commercial effectivenessfully diagnose the cause of this unit. During the thirdour current electrical problems, we can provide no assurances that we will not face other operational issues after completing a full diagnosis and fourth quartersevaluation of 2015, we worked with Newfield and Dr. Carl Meinhart to modify the prototype configuration based on observed pipeline and Joule Heat operating factors. In addition, QS Energy provided a scaled-down version of the Joule Heat unit for static and flow-through testing at SRI. Testing performed by SRI in September 2015 on a laboratory-scale Joule Heat unit demonstrated the ability of the Joule Heat technology to deliver temperature increases in the laboratory setting.our technology.

In 2015, the Company worked in collaboration with Newfield, SRI, Dr. Carl Meinhart, and our manufacturing partner to design and build an AOT prototype unit, for operations in the upstream crude oil pipeline market (“AOT Upstream”). In December 2015, we temporarily suspended Joule Heat and AOT Upstream development activities to focus Company resources on finalizing commercial development of the AOT Midstream. Testing terminated at SRI and all prototype equipment was returned to the Company.

Assuming the third quarter 2017,corrective actions discussed above are achieved, our plans moving forward are centered on achieving commercial adoption of our AOT device. Assuming successful operations, we believe the demonstration AOT project should provide data requested by prospective customers such as real-time changes in pipeline pressure drop reduction and increases in pipeline operating flowrates. All collected data at the AOT demonstration site will be normalized such that it can be used to evaluate the financial and operational benefits across a wide range of commercial operating scenarios without disclosing confidential details of our demonstration partner’s operations. We believe that real-world data from our demonstration AOT project may be used to accelerate our desire to achieve commercial adoption of our AOT technology, positioning us to re-engage with industry executives, targeting possible sales in late 2020 or 2021.

QS Energy is working to maintain normal operations during the current COVID-19 pandemic under social distancing and shelter-in-place guidelines as recommended or required by the CDC, federal, state and county government agencies. Over the past few years, the Company built a dedicated laboratory spacemoved much of its operations to the cloud. Our employees can perform most vital functions remotely. Currently, most day-to-day operations have been minimally impacted by COVID-19.

It is unclear, however, what impact COVID-19 may have on our supply chain, or on our ability to operate on-site at its Tomball Texas facility, and now has the capability to perform onsite testing utilizing our laboratory-scale AOT device, among other equipment. We restarted AOT Upstream development in September 2017, and plans to resume Joule Heat development indemonstration project. As of the future depending on the availabilitydate of sufficient capital and other resources. Also during the third quarter 2017,this report, the Company built an outdoor facilityhas experienced delays and some cost overruns due to COVID-19 impacts on our supply chain. We have not been made aware of any COVID-19 restrictions at its Tomball Texas facility for onsite storagethe demonstration site that would impact our ability to restart our demonstration testing.

COVID-19 has had a significant negative financial impact across a wide spectrum of AOT inventoryindustries, both in terms of operations and other large equipment.access to operating capital. The Company’s ability to continue operations is, in part, dependent on our access to funding. A published by the National Association of Manufacturers in March 2020 reports that due to COVID-19, 35% of manufacturers surveyed anticipate supply chain disruptions, 53% anticipate changes to operations, and 78% anticipate a negative financial impact. With these facts in mind, no assurances can be made that COVID-19 will not materially affect our supply chain, will not negatively affect access to the demonstration site, restrict operations at the demonstration site, or negatively impact our ability to fund continued operations.

Our expenses to date have been funded primarily through the sale of shares of common stock and convertible debt, as well as proceeds from the exercise of stock purchase warrants and options. We will need to raise substantial additional capital through 2017,2020, and beyond, to fund work at the demonstration site, our sales and marketing efforts, continuing research and development, and certain other expenses, until ourwe are able to achieve a revenue base grows sufficiently.base. We can provide no assurances that additional capital will be available to us, or if it is, that such additional capital will be offered at acceptable terms.

There are significant risks associated with our business, our Company and our stock. See “Risk Factors” in Part II Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” below.

Results of OperationOperations for NineThree months ended March 31, 2020 and Three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 20162019

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized revenues of $50,000 pursuant to the completion of lease and testing agreement of the Company’s AOT equipment. There was no similar transaction during the period ended September 30, 2016.

Operating expenses were $2,373,000$532,000 for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, compared to $1,728,000$478,000 for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, an increase of $645,000.$54,000. This is due to increases in non-cash expenses of $253,000,$23,000, and an increase in cash expenses of $392,000.$31,000. Specifically, the increasedecrease in non-cash expenses are attributable to increases in depreciationwarrants issued as compensation for services of $6,000$7,000, and stock compensation expensesexpense attributable to the fair value of options granted to employees and directors and employees of $386,000, offset by decreases in stock compensation expenses attributable to the fair value of warrants granted to consultants and others of $139,000.$16,000. The increase in cash expense is attributable to severance package expenseincreases in consulting fees of $671,000 with our Chief Executive Officer, and increases in$42,000, insurance of $10,000, legal and accounting of $16,000,$25,000, public and investor relations of $9,000, rent and utilities of $11,000, and travel expenses of 16,000,$11,000, offset by decreases in consulting feesmail and freight of $217,000, corporate$6,000, office expenses of $18,000, insurance of $21,000, rent of $48,000,$10,000, salaries and benefits of $3,000,$60,000, and other expenses of $4,000.$1,000.

Research and development expenses were $173,000$70,000 for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, compared to $200,000$151,000 for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, a decrease of $27,000.$81,000. This decrease is attributable to an increase in product testing, research, patents and other costs of $2,000, offset by a decrease in prototype product development costs of $29,000.$81,000.

Other income and expense were $1,649,000$164,000 expense for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, compared to $1,452,000$1,653,000 expense for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2019, a net decrease in other expenses of $197,000.$1,489,000. This decreaseincrease is attributable to a decrease in other income of 1,000 and an increase in non-cash other expenses of $196,000. The decrease in other income is due to a decrease in other miscellaneous income of $1,000.$1,489,000. The increase in non-cash other expense is due an increaseto increases in expense attributable to interest, beneficial conversion factors and warrants associated with convertible notes issued in the amount of $217,000, offset by decreases in$1,480,000, and other non-cash interest of $18,000 and loss on disposition of assets of 3,000.$9,000.

The Company had a net loss of $4,145,000, or $0.02 per share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to a net loss of $3,380,000, or $0.02 per share, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.

Three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

The Company had no revenues in the three month-periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Operating expenses were $535,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $467,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $68,000. This is due to an increase in non-cash expenses of $15,000, and an increase in cash expenses of $53,000. Specifically, the increase in non-cash expenses are attributable to decreases in depreciation of $4,000 and stock compensation expenses attributable to the fair value of warrants granted to consultants and others of $21,000, offset by an increase in stock compensation expenses attributable to the fair value of options granted to directors and employees of $32,000. The increase in cash expense is attributable to decreases in consulting fees of $34,000, legal and accounting fees of $5,000, offset by increases in corporate expenses of 34,000, insurance of $2,000, office expenses of $16,000, rent of $4,000, salaries and benefits of $21,000, and other expenses of $15,000.

Research and development expenses were $53,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $52,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $1,000.

Other income and expense were $227,000 expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $516,000 expense for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, a net increase in other income of $289,000. This increase is attributable to a decrease in other miscellaneous income of $1,000, and a decrease in non-cash other expenses of $290,000. The decrease in other income is due to a decrease in other miscellaneous income of $1,000. The decrease in non-cash other expense is due to decreases in expense attributable to interest, beneficial conversion features and warrants associated with convertible notes issued in the amount of $252,000 and other non-cash interest of $38,000.

The Company had a net loss of $815,000,$766,000, or $0.00 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, compared to a net loss of $1,035,000,$2,282,000, or $0.01 per share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company has not yet generated significant revenues and has incurred recurring net losses. We have incurred negative cash flow from operations since our inception in 1998 and a stockholders’ deficit of $1,459,000$2,599,000 as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2020. Our negative operating cash flow for the periods ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 was funded primarily through issuance of convertible notes.notes and execution of options and warrants to purchase common stock.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company had a net loss of $4,145,000$766,000 and a negative cash flow from operations of $1,369,000$301,000 for the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017 and stockholders’ deficit of $1,459,000.March 31, 2020. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

In addition, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 20162020 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to raise additional funds and implement our business plan. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.

Summary

During the period ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, we received cash totaling $1,869,000$96,000 from issuance of our convertible notes payable and exercise of options and warrants and private sale of unregistered securities,to purchase common stock and used cash in operations of $1,369,000.$301,000. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, we had cash on hand in the amount of $587,000.$274,000. We will need additional funds to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses we will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple University, as amended;University; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the AOT and related technologies; costs to manufacture and ship our products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed above, we have substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain severance payments to a former officer and consulting fees, during the remainder of 20172020 and beyond.

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company.

Licensing Fees to Temple University

For details of the licensing agreements with Temple University, see Financial Statements, included in this report,Part I, Item 1, Note 6 (Research and Development).

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements and related disclosures requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate, on an on-going basis, our estimates and judgments, including those related to the useful life of the assets. We base our estimates on historical experience and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying our most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results that we report in our consolidated financial statements. The SEC considers an entity’s most critical accounting policies to be those policies that are both most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations and those that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain at the time of estimation. For a more detailed discussion of the accounting policies of the Company, see Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”.

We believe the following critical accounting policies, among others, require significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain significant estimates were made in connection with preparing our consolidated financial statements as described in Note 2 to Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company periodically issues stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the Financial Accounting Standards Board whereas the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board whereas the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

The fair value of the Company's common stock option grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. As reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, during the nine-monthsthree-months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company incurred a net loss of $4,145,000,$766,000, used cash in operations of $1,369,000$301,000 and had a stockholders’ deficit of $1,459,000$2,599,000 as of that date. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the Company’s ability to raise additional funds and implement its business plan. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company had cash on hand in the amount of $587,000.$274,000. Management estimates that the current funds on hand will be sufficient to continue operations through January 2018.July 2020. Management is currently seeking additional funds, primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities for cash to operate our business, including without limitation the expenses it will incur in connection with the license and research and development agreements with Temple; costs associated with product development and commercialization of the AOT and Joule Heat technologies; costs to manufacture and ship the products; costs to design and implement an effective system of internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures; costs of maintaining our status as a public company by filing periodic reports with the SEC and costs required to protect our intellectual property. In addition, as discussed below, the Company has substantial contractual commitments, including without limitation salaries to our executive officers pursuant to employment agreements, certain payments to a former officer and consulting fees, during the remainder of 20172020 and beyond.

No assurance can be given that any future financing will be available or, if available, that it will be on terms that are satisfactory to the Company. Even if the Company is able to obtain additional financing, it may contain undue restrictions on our operations, in the case of debt financing or cause substantial dilution for our stockholders in case of equity financing.

Recent Accounting Polices

See Footnote 2 in the accompanying financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting policies.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

We issue from time to time fixed rate discounted convertible notes. Our convertible notes and our equity securities are exposed to risk as set forth below, in Part II Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Please also see Item 2, above, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated, as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, which were designed to be effective at the reasonable assurance level. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, management, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level at that date.

(a)       Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the nine-monththree-month period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

There is no litigation of any significance with the exception of the matters that have arisen under, and are being handled in, the normal course of business.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016,2019, which we filed with the SEC on March 15, 2017.30, 2020, except risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. See Item 2, Overview section above, for a discussion related to COVID-19 risk factors.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuances

In private offerings exempt from registration, during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2020, the Company issued a total of 34,303,8793,645,673 shares of its common stock as follows: 181,355 shares of common stock were issued upon the private sale of restricted common stock at a price of $0.21 per share and net proceeds of $38,000; 29,876,772 shares were issued upon the conversion of $1,522,000$219,000 in convertible notes at conversion rates ranging from $0.05 and $0.48 per share; and 4,245,752 shares were issued upon the exercise of options and warrants to purchase common stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.05 to $0.13$0.035 per share. In connection with the issuances of the foregoing securities, the Company relied on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for transactions not involving a public offering.

The proceeds received by the Company in connection with the above issuances of shares were used and continue to be used for general corporate purposes.purposes including without limitation the demonstration project described in Part I, Item 2.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5. Other Information

None

The Company provides regular updates on its website in a section thereunder labeled “Recent Updates” at https://qsenergy.com/updates. A copy of website updates for the period of January 1 through June 18 is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3.

Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBITS

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.