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[[image:Rossi_Focardi.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (picture "La Repubblica"). A (yellow) dosimetric pump of the type "LMI P18" can be seen in the foreground (maximum flow: 12.1 l/h) switched at 60% flow rate.|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Focardi.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (Picture "La Repubblica"). A (yellow) dosimetric pump of the type "LMI P18" can be seen in the foreground (maximum flow: 12.1 l/h) switched at 60% flow rate.|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Focardi3.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (picture: "Rainews24")|300px|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Focardi3.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (picture: "Rainews24")|300px|thumb]]

The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'' or just ''Rossi energy catalyzer'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor planned to be brought to market in 2011. According to Italian inventors, alleged engineer(see below) Andrea Rossi<ref>Rossi: ''I am a doctor in the Philosophy of Science and Engineering from the Universita’ Degli Studi Di Milano''</ref>, [[Cold Fusion|cold fusion]] of hydrogen and nickel was taking place in the reactor<ref>Andrea Rossi and Professor emeritus in physics Sergio Focardi in their patent application, Page 12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref>, leading under emission of strong heat to the formation of copper. The demonstrations of Rossi in 2011 were criticized by various sources, for example neither gamma nor neutron radiation could be measured<ref>http://www.psiram.com/doc/Levi%2C_Giuseppe_-_Report_on_heat_production_during_preliminary_tests_on_the_Rossi_Ni-H_reactor_%282010-2011%29.004810.pdf</ref> and there is no proof for the creation of non-natural isotope ratios in the alleged fusion products. The respective experiments show several methodological weaknesses. Independent tests, which might prove a fusion process according to the said principle, failed so far. Specialist literature about the "Energy-Catalyzer" is not available(as of April 2011)

The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'' or just ''Rossi energy catalyzer'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor planned to be brought to market in 2011. According to Italian inventors, alleged engineer(see below) Andrea Rossi<ref>Rossi: ''I am a doctor in the Philosophy of Science and Engineering from the Universita’ Degli Studi Di Milano''</ref>and Professor emeritus in physics Sergio Focardi, [[Cold Fusion|cold fusion]] of hydrogen and nickel was taking place in the reactor and Professor emeritus in physics Sergio Focardi, [[Cold Fusion|cold fusion]] of hydrogen and nickel was taking place in the reactor<ref>Andrea Rossi in his patent application, Page&nbsp;12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref>, leading under emission of strong heat to the formation of copper. The demonstrations of Rossi in 2011 were criticized by various sources. Neither gamma nor neutron radiation could be measured<ref>http://www.psiram.com/doc/Levi%2C_Giuseppe_-_Report_on_heat_production_during_preliminary_tests_on_the_Rossi_Ni-H_reactor_%282010-2011%29.004810.pdf</ref> and there is no proof for the creation of non-natural isotope ratios in the alleged fusion products. The respective experiments, which should have shown energy production through "cold fusion", had several methodological weaknesses and were riddled with contradicting statements. Independent tests, which might have proven a fusion process according to the said principle, failed so far. Specialist literature about the "Energy-Catalyzer" is not available(as of April 2011).

A Greek business newspaper announced in March 2011 that the concept is central to a speculative investment-deal of several hundred million Euro. Rossi had been in conflict with the law previously and also offered thermoelectrical elements with wondrous efficiency before, which showed in tests just average properties.

A Greek business newspaper announced in March 2011 that the concept is central to a speculative investment-deal of several hundred million Euro. Rossi had been in conflict with the law previously and had also offered thermoelectrical elements with wondrous efficiency, which showed just average properties when tested.

The actual inventor of the principle was Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli in 1989 who filed patent applications on it in 1995 and 2010.<ref>Piantelli, F., ''Energy Generation and Generator by Means of Anharmonic Stimulated Fusion''. Patent EP 0767962 B1, 1995. [https://data.epo.org/publication-server/pdf-document?PN=EP0767962%20EP%200767962&iDocId=4823352&iepatch=.pdf]</ref><ref>WO 2010058288 A1: METHOD FOR PRODUCING ENERGY AND APPARATUS THEREFOR. 2010-05-27. Erfinder: PIANTELLI SILVIA; PIANTELLI FRANCESCO</ref> Rossi, who also attempts to have his invention patented, does not acknowledge that: ''"My process has nothing to do with the process of Piantelli. The proof is that I am making operating reactors, he is not."'' The patent expert of Piantelli claimed in May 2011 that Rossi had no chance to patent the functional principle since Piantelli has already a patent on it since 1995.<ref>Angelo Saso: La magia del signor Rossi, Rainews24 3.5.2011</ref> Some aspects of the claimed functional principle are also similar to descriptions in a patent of the Japanese Yoshiaki Arata from July 2005 (see below). A remote similarity can also be found to the [[CETI Patterson Power Cell]].<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CETI_Patterson_Power_Cell</ref>

The actual inventor of the principle was Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli in 1989 who filed patent applications on it in 1995 and 2010.<ref>Piantelli, F., ''Energy Generation and Generator by Means of Anharmonic Stimulated Fusion''. Patent EP 0767962 B1, 1995. [https://data.epo.org/publication-server/pdf-document?PN=EP0767962%20EP%200767962&iDocId=4823352&iepatch=.pdf]</ref><ref>WO 2010058288 A1: METHOD FOR PRODUCING ENERGY AND APPARATUS THEREFOR. 2010-05-27. Erfinder: PIANTELLI SILVIA; PIANTELLI FRANCESCO</ref> Rossi, who also attempts to have his invention patented, does not acknowledge that: ''"My process has nothing to do with the process of Piantelli. The proof is that I am making operating reactors, he is not."'' The patent expert of Piantelli claimed in May 2011 that Rossi had no chance to patent the functional principle since Piantelli already has a patent on it since 1995.<ref>Angelo Saso: La magia del signor Rossi, Rainews24 3.5.2011</ref> Some aspects of the claimed functional principle are also similar to descriptions in a patent of the Japanese Yoshiaki Arata from July 2005 (see below). A remote similarity can also be found to the [[CETI Patterson Power Cell]].<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CETI_Patterson_Power_Cell</ref>

==Purported functional principle==

==Purported functional principle==

[[image:Ecat3.jpg|power control and main switch|left|thumb]]

[[image:Ecat3.jpg|Power control and main switch|left|thumb]]

[[image:FAE3.jpg|Andrea Rossi and the reactor (demonstration January 14, 2011, Source: [http://curiositybox.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/bologna-14111-cronaca-test-fusione-fredda-del-reattore-nichel-idrogeno-focardi-rossi/ Curiosity-Blog])|350px|thumb]]

[[image:FAE3.jpg|Andrea Rossi and the reactor (demonstration January 14, 2011, Source: [http://curiositybox.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/bologna-14111-cronaca-test-fusione-fredda-del-reattore-nichel-idrogeno-focardi-rossi/ Curiosity-Blog])|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Ecat4.jpg|heating power can be choosen in 9 steps: 0...9|left|thumb]]

[[image:Ecat4.jpg|Heating power can be choosen in 9 steps: 0...9|left|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Ecat2.jpg|several "Ecat" without shielding and isolation. Picture: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Ecat2.jpg|several "Ecat" without shielding and isolation. Picture: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Ecat5.jpg|power control|left|thumb]]

[[image:Ecat5.jpg|Power control|left|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Ecat.jpg|Reaction chamber from outside, lead shielding and isolation removed. Below: Outer  heating resistor (here: heating sleeve 300W), above: hydrogen intake, left and right: cooling water line. Picture: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Ecat.jpg|Reaction chamber from outside, lead shielding and isolation removed. Below: Outer  heating resistor (here: heating sleeve 300W), above: hydrogen intake, left and right: cooling water line. Picture: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Hydrogen.jpg|hydrogen pressure|left|thumb]]

[[image:Hydrogen.jpg|Hydrogen pressure|left|thumb]]

[[image:Heizmanschette.jpg|typical heating sleeve|thumb]]

[[image:Heizmanschette.jpg|Typical heating sleeve|thumb]

[[image:Rossi6.jpg|Claims of cheap nickel  isotope enrichment as part of the invention (Screenshot from the blog "journal of nuclear physics" on April 11, 2011)|350px|thumb]]  

[[image:Rossi6.jpg|Claims of cheap nickel  isotope enrichment as part of the invention (Screenshot from the blog "journal of nuclear physics" on April 11, 2011)|350px|thumb]]

All information currently available regarding the "Focardi-Rossi Energy Catalyzer" come from inventors and their Internet blog, from a patent application by Rossi, from YouTube videos, and from statements by a few physicists who tried to replicate the principle. There has been no noteworthy reception on the part of the international physics community so far and an attempt of inventors to publish an article on their device in a renowned professional journal failed. Only individual physicists reacted with public blog entries and comments (e.g.: [http://aleklett.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/rossi-energy-catalyst-a-big-hoax-or-new-physics/][http://www.fysik.org/WebSite/fragelada/resurser/cold_fusion.pdf][http://pages.csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/cf/388amplifier.html]). The most renowned person that commented the energy catalyzer so far is the English Nobel prize winner Brian Josephson. Josephson is known for years as a supporter of so called "cold fusion". As of January 2011, no proper scientific publication is known.

All information currently available regarding the "Focardi-Rossi Energy Catalyzer" come from inventors and their Internet blog, from a patent application by Rossi, from YouTube videos, and from statements by a few physicists who tried to replicate the principle. There has been no noteworthy reception on the part of the international physics community so far. An attempt of the inventors to publish an article on their device in a renowned professional journal failed. Only individual physicists reacted with public blog entries and comments (e.g.: [http://aleklett.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/rossi-energy-catalyst-a-big-hoax-or-new-physics/][http://www.fysik.org/WebSite/fragelada/resurser/cold_fusion.pdf][http://pages.csam.montclair.edu/~kowalski/cf/388amplifier.html]). The most renowned person that commented the energy catalyzer so far is the English Nobel prize winner Brian Josephson. Josephson is known for years as a supporter of so called "cold fusion". As of January 2011, no proper scientific publication is known. Focardi and Rossi spread their statements in their own "online periodical" titled "Journal of Nuclear Physics", basically an internet blog, and in Italian journal "Il&nbsp;Cimento". On inquiry, physicist Focardi advised that the "Journal of Nuclear Physics" was founded by Rossi since publication in accredited journals failed. Focardi stated that [http://arxiv.org "arXiv.org"] was the journal, that declined to publish them: ''A. Carnera, S. Focardi, A. Rossi, to be published on Arxiv.''.

Focardi and Rossi spread their statements in their own "online periodical" titled "Journal of Nuclear Physics", basically an internet blog, and in Italian journal "Il&nbsp;Cimento". The involved company EON&nbsp;Srl has not provided any information so far. On inquiry, physicist Focardi advised the "Journal of Nuclear Physics" was founded by Rossi since publication in accredited journals failed. Focardi stated that [http://arxiv.org "arXiv.org"] was the journal, that declined to publish them: ''A. Carnera, S. Focardi, A. Rossi, to be published on Arxiv.''.

 

According to available and in part contradictory information from inventors Focardi and Rossi, the small reactor allegedly enables exothermal fusion. They claim they managed to "produce" 130&nbsp;kW thermal energy in an extreme case, and needed just 80 to 1,250&nbsp;Watts to "pre-heat" respectively to operate the electronic control system.

According to available and in part contradictory information from inventors Focardi and Rossi, the small reactor allegedly enables exothermal fusion. They claim they managed to "produce" 130&nbsp;kW thermal energy in an extreme case, and needed just 80 to 1,250&nbsp;Watts to "pre-heat" respectively to operate the electronic control system.

The process - disclosed only partially, although a patent application was filed (not approved as of April 2011) - involves that nickel and hydrogen are transformed to copper in the presence of hydrogen gas and an unknown catalyzer under emission of heat and ionizing radiation. The fusion process is said to happen in a stainless steel reactor vessel which is placed inside of a copper pipe. Cooling water flows between the copper pipe and the steel reactor vessel. The patent application claims  the stable nickel isotope 62Ni28 (which makes about 3.6% of usual nickel) reacted with hydrogen and was transformed into the stable copper isotope 62Cu29. Rossi claims in his blog that he uses nickel isotope enrichment to enrich it with the desired nickel isotopes. The costs are said to be just 10% of the overall costs for nickel powder. Actual isotope enrichment is a very expensive process. Rossi, on the other hand, specified the costs for six months of operation as only a few euros(see below). The copper thus generated is said to contain two stable copper isotopes, with an isotope proportion different from the one in natural copper.<ref>According to S.&nbsp;Focardi in an E-Mail: ''[...] mostra l'esistenza di Cu (non presente inizialmente) i cui due isotopi stabili sono in un rapporto diverso da quello naturale [...]''</ref> An independent analysis in Sweden did not find an isotope ratio different from the natural one. Such a fusion would require very high temperatures and should result in a strong gamma radiation from the destruction of positrons and electrons.<ref>According to Prof. Jonghwa Chang, Chief Research Advisor of the "Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute", answer to an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>  

The process - disclosed only partially, although a patent application was filed (not approved as of April 2011) - involves that nickel and hydrogen gas are transformed to copper in the presence of an unknown catalyst under emission of heat and ionizing radiation. The fusion process is said to happen in a stainless steel reactor vessel which is placed inside of a copper pipe through which cooling water flows. The patent application claims  the stable nickel isotope 62Ni28 (which makes about 3.6% of natural nickel) reacted with hydrogen and was transformed into the stable copper isotope 62Cu29. Rossi claims in his blog that he uses nickel isotope enrichment to enrich it with the desired nickel isotopes. The costs are said to be just 10% of the overall costs for nickel powder. Actual isotope enrichment is a very expensive process. Rossi, on the other hand, specified the costs for six months of operation as only a few Euros(see below). The copper thus generated is said to contain two stable copper isotopes, with an isotope proportion different from the one in natural copper.<ref>According to S.&nbsp;Focardi in an E-Mail: ''[...] mostra l'esistenza di Cu (non presente inizialmente) i cui due isotopi stabili sono in un rapporto diverso da quello naturale [...]''</ref> An independent analysis in Sweden did not find an isotope ratio different from the natural one. Such a fusion would require very high temperatures and should result in a strong gamma radiation from the destruction of positrons and electrons.<ref>According to Prof. Jonghwa Chang, Chief Research Advisor of the "Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute", answer to an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>

While initially using nickel rods, recent experiments used nickel powder (particle size is said to be in the nm-range, the patent application mentions 10 µm). Rossi mentions "Gerli Metalli" company<ref>Powder nickel: Gerli Metalli--Milan</ref> from Milan as their supplier. Further unknown catalysts, not specified even in the patent application are said to be employed. Nickel oxide - which reacts with hydrogen creating water and heat (NiO2&nbsp;+&nbsp;H2 -->&nbsp;Ni&nbsp;+&nbsp;H20) – allegedly was not used. According to the patent application a inner water circuit(with a boric acid solution) is designed to be in the reactor and heat is transferred using a heat exchanger to an external water circuit.

While nickel rods were used initially, recent experiments used nickel powder (particle size is said to be in the nm-range, the patent application mentions 10 µm). Rossi mentions "Gerli Metalli" company<ref>Powder nickel: Gerli Metalli--Milan</ref> from Milan as their supplier. Furthermore, unknown catalysts, not specified even in the patent application are said to be employed. Nickel oxide - which reacts with hydrogen creating water and heat (NiO2&nbsp;+&nbsp;H2 -->&nbsp;Ni&nbsp;+&nbsp;H20) – was not used allegedly. According to the patent application an inner water circuit(with a boric acid solution) is placed inside of the reactor, heat is transferred by a heat exchanger to an external water circuit.

By adding electric heating capacity, protons from hydrogen gas are said to enter the nickel atoms at 180 to 400 degrees Celsius and lead to a nuclear reaction if pulsed pressure was increased at regular intervals. Altogether, hydrogen is said to be consumed and some helium is generated.<ref>S. Focardi, V. Gabbani, V. Montalbano, F. Piantelli, S. Veronesi. "''Large excess heat production in Ni-H systems''". Il Nuovo Cimento Vol. 111 A, N.11 pp. 1233, novembre 1998</ref> The nickel rod is said to show tiny surface craters after a reaction. According to the patent application, the electrical pre-heating will be turned off automatically by a thermostat when a certain operating temperature is achieved. Further electrical energy (20 to 80 W) was only necessary to supply control electronics. Internet rumours which cannot be verified claim that high voltage or a magnetic field of 360&nbsp;kV to overcome the [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb_barrier Coulomb barrier] may be applied. The application of so high a voltage is not possible within such a small device due to spark generation.

By heating with electrical energy, protons from hydrogen gas are said to enter the nickel atoms at 180-400&nbsp;degrees Celsius and lead to a nuclear reaction if pressure was increased strongly at regular intervals. Altogether, hydrogen is said to be consumed and some helium is generated.<ref>S. Focardi, V. Gabbani, V. Montalbano, F. Piantelli, S. Veronesi. "''Large excess heat production in Ni-H systems''". Il Nuovo Cimento Vol. 111 A, N.11 pp. 1233, novembre 1998</ref> The nickel rod is said to show tiny surface craters after a reaction. According to the patent application, the electrical pre-heating will be turned off automatically by a thermostat when a certain operating temperature is achieved. Further electrical energy (20&nbsp;to 80&nbsp;W) was only necessary to supply control electronics. Internet rumours which cannot be verified claim that high voltage or a magnetic field of 360&nbsp;kV to overcome the [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb_barrier Coulomb barrier] might be applied. The application of so high a voltage is not possible within such a small device due to spark generation.

Inventors claim the "fusion" mentioned also generated weak gamma and neutron radiation.<ref>Battaglia, L. Daddi, S. Focardi, V. Gabbani, V. Montalbano, F. Piantelli, P.G. Sona, S. Veronesi. "''Neutron emission in Ni-H Systems''". Nuovo Cimento 112A, pp. 921, 1999.</ref> Radiation is said to be β+ corpuscular radiation with positrons (known from potassium&nbsp;40-decay). They also claim they do not know the exact functional principle. The actual reaction chamber is estimated at a volume of about one liter and shielded by a layer of 2 cms of lead. The inventors claim in the patent application:

Inventors also claim the mentioned "fusion" generates weak gamma and neutron radiation.<ref>Battaglia, L. Daddi, S. Focardi, V. Gabbani, V. Montalbano, F. Piantelli, P.G. Sona, S. Veronesi. "''Neutron emission in Ni-H Systems''". Nuovo Cimento 112A, pp. 921, 1999.</ref> Radiation is said to be β+ corpuscular radiation with positrons (known from potassium&nbsp;40-decay). They also claim they do not know the exact functional principle. The actual reaction chamber is estimated at a volume of about one litre and shielded by a layer of 2 cms of lead. The inventors claim in their patent application:

:''The above mentioned coatings are so designed as to restrain all radiation emitted by the exothermal reaction and transform said radiation into thermal energy.''

:''The above mentioned coatings are so designed as to restrain all radiation emitted by the exothermal reaction and transform said radiation into thermal energy.''

A contribution in their blog speculatively connects the Focardi Rossi Energy Amplifier to the [[hydrino]] theory of American physician and electrical engineer Randell Mills who claims to work with hydrogen and nickel, too.<ref>[http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/?p=338 E. Stremmenos: Hydrogen/Nickel cold fusion probable mechanism. Journal of nuclear physics, 12.12.2010]</ref> Supporters of "cold fusion" theories often claim so-called [[Low Energy Nuclear Reactions]] (LENR) were taking place. The term LENR is not known to professional journals and such fusion processes were not proven as of yet.

A contribution in their blog speculatively connects the Focardi Rossi Energy Amplifier to the [[hydrino]] theory of American physician and electrical engineer Randell Mills who claims to work with hydrogen and nickel, too.<ref>[http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/?p=338 E. Stremmenos: Hydrogen/Nickel cold fusion probable mechanism. Journal of nuclear physics, 12.12.2010]</ref> Mills is said to work with hydrogen and nickel too. Supporters of "cold fusion" theories often claim so-called [[Low Energy Nuclear Reactions]] (LENR) were taking place. The term LENR is not known to professional journals and such fusion processes were not proven as of yet.

Further internet speculations assume this was a chemical reaction which apparently remained unknown to inventors and which was usually applied in the purification of nickel  ores: the Sherritt-Gordon process"<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt_extraction_techniques#Recovery_from_nickel-cobalt_sulfide_concentrates_.28Sherritt_process.29</ref>, which is accompanied by a heat release, but is a conventional chemical reaction. The evidence of copper thus may be explained by the fact that available nickel often contains copper contaminations.

Further internet speculations assume this was a chemical reaction which apparently remained unknown to inventors and which was usually applied in the purification of nickel  ores: the Sherritt-Gordon process"<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt_extraction_techniques#Recovery_from_nickel-cobalt_sulfide_concentrates_.28Sherritt_process.29</ref>, which is accompanied by a heat release, but is a conventional chemical reaction. The evidence of copper thus may be explained by the fact that available nickel often contains copper contaminations.

==The mysterious catalyzer==

The inventors claim that the high thermal output of the energy catalyzers is the result of a special catalyzer, whose composition is kept secret. In scientific nuclear physics, contrary to classic physics, the usage of catalyzers for fusion processes is unknown.

 

==The mysterious catalyst==

The inventors claim that the high thermal output of the energy catalyzers is the result of a special catalyst, whose composition is kept secret. In scientific nuclear physics, contrary to classic physics, the usage of catalyst for fusion processes is unknown.

Internet rumours not verifiable claim this may be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raney_nickel "Raney-Nickel"], since two fires in Rossi's laboratories were caused by "Raney-Nickel". Rossi stated on inquiry that no Raney-Nickel was used. Foardi states that he does not know the composition of the catalyzer himself, only Rossi knows it. Focardi gave some speculations about the compound in a radio inverview on March 6, 2011. He believes that it is a chemical compound, not an element. It is not uranium. The obvious purpose of the substance is to catalyse the transformation of heated hydrogen gas (H2) in atomic hydrogen. (a discussion of possible catalysts for this purpose can be found in a paper of Romanowski from 1999<ref>S. Romanowski, W. M. Bartczak, R. Wesołkowski: ''Density Functional Calculations of the Hydrogen Adsorption on Transition Metals and Their Alloys. An Application to Catalysis'', (3.8.1999), Langmuir, 1999, 15 (18), Pages 5773–5780 - DOI: 10.1021/la981339q

Unverifiable Internet rumours speculate that it might be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raney_nickel "Raney-Nickel"] since two fires in Rossi's laboratories were caused by "Raney-Nickel". Rossi stated on inquiry that no Raney-Nickel was used. Foardi states that he does not know the composition of the catalyst himself, only Rossi knows it. Focardi gave some speculations about the compound in a radio interview on March 6, 2011. He believes that it is a chemical compound, not an element. It is not uranium. The obvious purpose of the substance is to catalyse the transformation of heated hydrogen gas (H2) in atomic hydrogen (a discussion of possible catalysts for this purpose can be found in a paper of Romanowski from 1999<ref>S. Romanowski, W. M. Bartczak, R. Wesołkowski: ''Density Functional Calculations of the Hydrogen Adsorption on Transition Metals and Their Alloys. An Application to Catalysis'', (3.8.1999), Langmuir, 1999, 15 (18), Seiten 5773–5780 - DOI: 10.1021/la981339q [http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/la981339q]</ref>). To complicate the identification of the catalyst, observers were forbidden to do a spectral analysis of possible gamma radiation, since it might allow to identify elements of the compound.

[http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/la981339q]</ref>). To complicate the identification of the catalyzer, observers were forbidden to do a spectral analysis of possible gamma radiation, since it might allow to identify elements of the compound.

==Deactivation==

==Deactivation==

Professor Sven Kullander writes in his report about the experiment on March 29, 2011 that the reaction was stopped by switching off the heater and increasing the cooling water flow to a maximum of 30 litres per hour. This contradicts previous claims that the heater would be turned of when operating temperature has been reached. The red wire in the picture to the right(cm 31 - 34) is obviously the heater supply. With a cable this thick it is possible to power the heater from a regular wall outlet with 220 volt/10 amp, which in turn could yield 2200 Watt and explain the steam generation. <ref name="Report_Kullander" />

Professor Sven Kullander writes in his report about the experiment on March 29, 2011 that the reaction was stopped by switching off the heater and increasing the cooling water flow to a maximum of 30 litres per hour. This contradicts previous claims that the heater would be turned of when operating temperature has been reached. The red wire in the picture to the right(cm&nbsp;31&nbsp;-&nbsp;34) is obviously the heater supply. With a cable this thick it is possible to power the heater from a regular wall outlet with 220&nbsp;volt/10&nbsp;amp, which in turn could yield 2200&nbsp;Watt and explain the steam generation.

Prof. Kullader writes also that the heater acts as a safety: ''"At the end of the horizontal section there is an auxiliary electric heater to initialize the burning and also to act as a safety if the heat evolution should get out of control."'' Obviously a heater cannot act as a safeguard for a heat generating process.<ref name="Report_Kullander" />

Prof. Kullander also writes that the heater acts as a safety: ''"At the end of the horizontal section there is an auxiliary electric heater to initialize the burning and also to act as a safety if the heat evolution should get out of control."'' Obviously a heater cannot act as a safeguard for a heat generating process.<ref name="Report_Kullander" />

==Application and success claims==

==Claims about practical application and success==

[[image:FAE1.jpg|Input and output of the reactor according to the inventors<ref>S. Focardi, A. Rossi: ''A new energy source from nuclear fusion.'', Journal of Nuclear Physics. [http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/files/Rossi-Focardi_paper.pdf]</ref>|400px|thumb]]

[[image:FAE1.jpg|Input and output of the reactor according to the inventors<ref>S. Focardi, A. Rossi: ''A new energy source from nuclear fusion.'', Journal of Nuclear Physics. [http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/files/Rossi-Focardi_paper.pdf]</ref>|400px|thumb]]

According to Focardi and Rossi, they achieved increasing heat quantities with their device over the years. They claim one nickel rod was sufficient for six months of operations. Rossi, in his patent specification, anecdotally reports he was heating his company's bureaus with this reactor which resulted in some 90% savings regarding electricity bills over a period of six months:

According to Focardi and Rossi, they achieved increasing heat quantities with their device over the years. They claim one nickel rod was sufficient for six months of operation. Rossi, in his patent specification, anecdotally reports he was heating his company's bureaus with this reactor which resulted in some 90% savings regarding electricity bills over a period of six months:

 

:''A practical embodiment of the inventive apparatus, installed on October&nbsp;16, 2007, is at present perfectly operating 24&nbsp;hours per day, and provides an amount of heat sufficient to heat the factory of the Company EON of via Carlo Ragazzi&nbsp;18, at Bondeno (Province of Ferrara)."''

:''A practical embodiment of the inventive apparatus, installed on October&nbsp;16, 2007, is at present perfectly operating 24&nbsp;hours per day, and provides an amount of heat sufficient to heat the factory of the Company EON of via Carlo Ragazzi&nbsp;18, at Bondeno (Province of Ferrara)."''

A "kW-module" allegedly is also operated in his "Leonardo facility" in New Hampshire (USA) since 2008.

A "kW-module" allegedly runs in his "Leonardo facility" in New Hampshire (USA) since 2008.  

 

According to Rossi, 100&nbsp;grammes of nickel powder were consumed over a period of six months at 10&nbsp;kW (therm.) output. The cost for the "fuel" thus amounted to 2&nbsp;Euro.<ref>Nyteknik-Chat 12.03.2011, [http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3124295.ece]</ref> An E-cat will cost about 2,000&nbsp;Euro per kW output (a 10&nbsp;kW-model thus will amount to 20,000&nbsp;Euro). In the North-American radio talk show "Coast to Coast AM", which is known for propagating [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theories]], Rossi said in March 2011 that his planned 1 MW small power station will cost 2 million dollar and later that his 10 kW E-Cat will cost just 5,000 dollar.<ref>Interview with Andrea Rossi, Talk Radio "Coast to Coast AM", on March 23, 2011 [http://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/rossi-cold-fusion-device]</ref> According to the Greek newspaper "Investors World" from march 2011 future "E-cat" devices will produce electrical power through an "inverter". Yearly cost for the production of 20 kW output round the clock(unclear if thermal or electric) will amount to 1,300 Euros. "Defkalion green technologies" plans to request from RAE (regulatory authority for energy) to be included in the "renewable energy" program.<ref name="talefta">[http://talefta.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-mainstream-coverage-of-e-cat-and.html Blog about the "Investors World" article]</ref><ref name="scan">[http://www.xanthipress.gr/eidiseis/politiki/6874-xynidis-ependysi-hyperion-xanthi-ydrogono-nikelio-paragogi-energeias-ergostasio-xanthi.html Coverage and scan of the "Investors World" article] (Greek)</ref><ref name="Investors World Article">Article in the greek newspaper "Investors World" from March 12, 2011, Pages 20-21</ref>

According to Rossi, 100&nbsp;grammes of nickel powder were consumed over a period of six months at 10&nbsp;kW (therm.) output. The cost for the "fuel" thus amounted to 2&nbsp;Euro.<ref>Nyteknik-Chat 12.03.2011, [http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3124295.ece]</ref> An E-cat will cost about 2,000&nbsp;Euro per kW output (a 10&nbsp;kW-model thus will amount to 20,000&nbsp;Euro). In the North-American radio talk show "Coast to Coast&nbsp;AM", which is known for propagating [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theories]], Rossi said in March 2011 that his planned 1&nbsp;MW small power station will cost 2&nbsp;million dollar and later that his 10&nbsp;kW E-Cat will cost just 5,000&nbsp;dollar.<ref>Interview with Andrea Rossi, Talk Radio "Coast to Coast&nbsp;AM", on March&nbsp;23, 2011 [http://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/rossi-cold-fusion-device]</ref> According to the Greek newspaper "Investors World" from march 2011 future "E-cat" devices will produce electrical power through an "inverter". Yearly cost for the production of 20&nbsp;kW output round the clock(unclear if thermal or electric) will amount to 1,300 Euros. "Defkalion green technologies" plans to request from RAE (regulatory authority for energy) to be included in the "renewable energy" program.<ref name="talefta">[http://talefta.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-mainstream-coverage-of-e-cat-and.html Blog about the "Investors World" article]</ref><ref name="scan">[http://www.xanthipress.gr/eidiseis/politiki/6874-xynidis-ependysi-hyperion-xanthi-ydrogono-nikelio-paragogi-energeias-ergostasio-xanthi.html Coverage and scan of the "Investors World" article] (Greek)</ref><ref name="Investors World Article">Article in the greek newspaper "Investors World" from March&nbsp;12, 2011, Pages 20-21</ref>

==History==

==History==

[[image:RF_Ferrara.jpg|First experiments with a predecessor of the "ECat" by EON in Bondeno(Ferrara). On the right the "reactor", cooled in a bucket of water, can be seen. (Picture: S. Focardi, May 2011 [http://it.paperblog.com/la-fusione-fredda-e-tornata8230-371137/])|350px|thumb]]

[[image:RF_Ferrara.jpg|First experiments with a predecessor of the "ECat" by EON in Bondeno(Ferrara). On the right the "reactor", cooled in a bucket of water, can be seen. (Picture: S. Focardi, May 2011 [http://it.paperblog.com/la-fusione-fredda-e-tornata8230-371137/])|350px|thumb]]

"Anomalies" when adding hydrogen to nickel are reported since 1936. 1989 was marked by wide media attention to cold fusion as a result of the claims regarding failed experiments by Fleischmann and Pons. In the same year, Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli (University Siena) believed to have incidentally observed a strong heat emission with temperatures above 1,450°&nbsp;C during an experiment with organic material which came into contact with nickel and hydrogen(nickel is used in industry as a catalyst for fat hardening with hydrogen), which he could not explain. The incident was reported by several Italian daily papers. In 1995, Piantelli received a "Truffle Prize" for his observations during a "Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen / Deuterium Loaded Metals".<ref>"Truffle Prize", second Asti Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen / Deuterium Loaded Metals, 1995</ref> Various workgroups have made experiments with electrolysis and also with nickel and hydrogen since then.

"Anomalies" when adding hydrogen to nickel are reported since 1936. 1989 was marked by wide media attention to cold fusion as a result of the claims regarding failed experiments by Fleischmann and Pons. In the same year, Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli (University Siena) believed to have incidentally observed a strong heat emission with temperatures above 1,450°&nbsp;C during an experiment with organic material which came into contact with nickel and hydrogen(nickel is used in industry as a catalyst for fat hardening with hydrogen), which he could not explain. The incident was reported by several Italian daily papers. In 1995, Piantelli received a "Truffle Prize" for his observations during a "Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen / Deuterium Loaded Metals".<ref>"Truffle Prize", second Asti Workshop on Anomalies in Hydrogen / Deuterium Loaded Metals, 1995</ref> Various workgroups have made experiments with electrolysis and with nickel and hydrogen since then.

Physicist Sergio Focardi from Bologna University heard about the Piantelli's observations and teamed up with him to research the phenomenon. After several years they had built a nickel hydrogen rector and, in a press conference in February 1994, announced their reactor as a principle for "Reazioni Nucleari a Bassa Energia" (LENR, "Low Energy Nuclear Reactions"), however avoiding the term "cold fusion".<ref>Press conference on 20.&nbsp;February 1994, Aula magna, University Siena</ref> Once more articles were published in the daily press and as before in 1989, there were no academic publications. An output of 40-50 thermal Watts was claimed. A nickel rod with a pre-treated surface which had been "degassed" for several hours was said to be enclosed in the reactor surrounded by hydrogen. Italien industry looked into the matter and tried exploit the Piantelli-principle commercially. Alas, all industrial application attempts failed. Involved companies were TESCA Konsortium (companies Bulla, Bergomi, Foglia, Italkero and Ecosystem), FIAT AVIO SpA corporation and PROVITA s.r.l.<ref>http://www.enea.it/produzione_scientifica/pdf_volumi/V2008_16Cold_Fusion_Italy.pdf</ref>

Physicist Sergio Focardi from Bologna University heard about the Piantelli's observations and teamed up with him to research the phenomenon. After several years they had built a nickel hydrogen rector and, in a press conference in February 1994, announced their reactor as a principle for "Reazioni Nucleari a Bassa Energia" (LENR, "Low Energy Nuclear Reactions"), however avoiding the term "cold fusion".<ref>Press conference on 20.&nbsp;February 1994, Aula magna, University Siena</ref> Once more articles were published in the daily press and as before in 1989, there were no academic publications. An output of 40-50 thermal Watts was claimed. A nickel rod with a pre-treated surface which had been "degassed" for several hours was said to be enclosed in the reactor surrounded by hydrogen. Italien industry looked into the matter and tried exploit the Piantelli-principle commercially. Alas, all industrial application attempts failed. Involved companies were TESCA Konsortium (companies Bulla, Bergomi, Foglia, Italkero and Ecosystem), FIAT AVIO SpA corporation and PROVITA s.r.l.<ref>http://www.enea.it/produzione_scientifica/pdf_volumi/V2008_16Cold_Fusion_Italy.pdf</ref>