Changes

[[image:FAE3.jpg|Andrea Rossi and the reactor (demonstration dd. 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 dd. 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 selected in steps: 0...9|left|thumb]]

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

[[image:Rossi_Ecat2.jpg|Several "E-cat" stripped of shielding and insulation.  Picture: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Ecat2.jpg|Several "E-cat" stripped of shielding and insulation. The heating element is clearly a "Rotfil S21" (Image: Giuseppe Levi)|350px|thumb]]

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

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

[[image:Rossi_Ecat.jpg|Outside view of reaction chamber, lead shielding and insulation 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|Outside view of reaction chamber, lead shielding and insulation removed. Below: Outer heating resistor (here: heating sleeve 300W), above: hydrogen intake, left and right: cooling water line. Image: Giuseppe Levi|350px|thumb]]

[[image:RF_control_box.jpg|The "control box" with 12 phase fired controllers (Picture: S.B. Krivit)|300px|left|thumb]]

[[image:RF_control_box.jpg|The "control box" with 12 phase fired controllers of the type "VL676" from company GSEI in Genua<ref>http://www.gsei.it/attachs/P020_01.pdf</ref> (Image: S.B. Krivit)|300px|left|thumb]]

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

[[image:Hydrogen.jpg|Hydrogen pressure indicator|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: Blog "Journal of nuclear physics", April 11, 2011)|350px|thumb]]

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

All data currently available regarding the "Focardi-Rossi Energy Catalyzer" come from inventors and their internet blog, from a patent application submitted by Rossi, from YouTube videos, and from statements of the 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 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 having commented the energy catalyzer so far is English Nobel Prize winner Brian Josephson<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAJnZZi41YA&feature=youtu.be</ref>. Josephson has been known for a supporter of so called "cold fusion" for years. As of January 2011, no proper scientific publication is known. Focardi and Rossi publish statements in their own "online periodical" titled "Journal of Nuclear Physics", basically an internet blog, and in Italian journal "Il&nbsp;Cimento". Upon 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 which rejected them: ''A. Carnera, S. Focardi, A. Rossi, to be published on Arxiv.''.

All data currently available regarding the "Focardi-Rossi Energy Catalyzer" come from inventors and their internet blog, from a patent application submitted by Rossi, from YouTube videos, and from statements of the 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 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 having commented the energy catalyzer so far is English Nobel Prize winner Brian Josephson<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAJnZZi41YA&feature=youtu.be</ref>. Josephson has been known for a supporter of so called "cold fusion" for years. As of January 2011, no proper scientific publication is known. Focardi and Rossi publish statements in their own "online periodical" titled "Journal of Nuclear Physics", basically an internet blog, and in Italian journal "Il&nbsp;Cimento". Upon 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 which rejected them: ''A. Carnera, S. Focardi, A. Rossi, to be published on Arxiv.''.

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&nbsp;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) – allegedly was not used. According to the patent application, an inner water circuit (with a boric acid solution) is placed inside of the reactor, heat is transferred to an external water circuit by a heat exchanger.

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&nbsp;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) – allegedly was not used. According to the patent application, an inner water circuit (with a boric acid solution) is placed inside of the reactor, heat is transferred to an external water circuit by a heat exchanger.

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.

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. The modules controlling the heating resistors are 12 phase fired controllers of the type VL676 from company GSEI in Genua<ref>http://www.gsei.it/attachs/P020_01.pdf</ref> They can be, depending on type, regulated by 10 or 20 A in 20 half-steps (0..9) and have a consumption of 2 watts (in sum 24 W) from a 24 V voltage source. 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 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. In their patent application, inventors claim:

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. In their patent application, inventors claim:

[[image:28042011_4.jpg|Temperature graph and alleged working conditions of the test on April&nbsp;28|350px|thumb]]

[[image:28042011_4.jpg|Temperature graph and alleged working conditions of the test on April&nbsp;28|350px|thumb]]

[[image:28042011_2.jpg|Possible concealed adjustment of heating by Rossi during the experiment|left|thumb]]

[[image:28042011_2.jpg|Possible concealed adjustment of heating by Rossi during the experiment|left|thumb]]

On April&nbsp;19 and April&nbsp;28, the E-Cat was presented to Swedish journalist Mats Lewan (Nyteknik journal). To measure the energy produced, water was heated and, at an input of just 300&nbsp;Watts, allegedly several litres of water evaporated. Rossi estimated the heating output at more than 2&nbsp;kW. A regular publication of the results did not happen. Lewan, thrilled by the invention, published details only on a few websites ([http://www.nyteknik.se/incoming/article3166567.ece/BINARY/Report+test+of+E-cat+19+April+2011.pdf] [http://www.nyteknik.se/incoming/article3166569.ece/BINARY/Report+test+of+E-cat+28+April+2011.pdf]). A short video of the experiment on April&nbsp;28, 2011 is available.<ref>http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3166451.ece</ref> The dosimetric pump LMI&nbsp;P18 was used once more. Water throughput was specified with 63-69&nbsp;ml/min this time, a value which is possible according to manufacturers' specifications. Stroke frequency was 32/min. With a stroke-volume of 2&nbsp;ml (maximum), the throughput is 64&nbsp;ml/min, a value which corresponds exactly to the values established by other measurements during the experiment. The weight of the pumped water was measured several times as it flowed through the device within a determinated period of time. Since the supplied electrical heating power of 315&nbsp;Watt was just measured once in the beginning with a clip-on ammeter, it remains unclear whether the heating input was constant. When journalist Lewan went into an adjoining room and did a pan shot with his video camera, Rossi was seen tampering with the heating regulation. It is therefore unclear whether the input remained constant during the experiment.

On April&nbsp;19 and April&nbsp;28, the E-Cat was presented to Swedish journalist Mats Lewan (Nyteknik journal). To measure the energy produced, water was heated and, at an input of just 300&nbsp;Watts, allegedly several litres of water evaporated. Rossi estimated the heating output at more than 2&nbsp;kW. A regular publication of the results did not happen. Lewan, thrilled by the invention, published details only on a few websites ([http://www.nyteknik.se/incoming/article3166567.ece/BINARY/Report+test+of+E-cat+19+April+2011.pdf] [http://www.nyteknik.se/incoming/article3166569.ece/BINARY/Report+test+of+E-cat+28+April+2011.pdf]). A short video of the experiment on April&nbsp;28, 2011 is available.<ref>http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3166451.ece</ref> The dosimetric pump LMI&nbsp;P18 was used once more. Water throughput was specified with 63-69&nbsp;ml/min this time, a value which is possible according to manufacturers' specifications. Stroke frequency was 32/min. With a stroke-volume of 2&nbsp;ml (maximum), the throughput is 64&nbsp;ml/min, a value which corresponds exactly to the values established by other measurements during the experiment. The weight of the pumped water was measured several times as it flowed through the device within a determinated period of time. Since the supplied electrical heating power of 315&nbsp;Watt was just measured once at startup with a pliers ammeter it remains unclear whether the heating input was constant. When journalist Lewan went into an adjoining room and did a pan shot with his video camera, Rossi was seen tampering with the heating regulation. It is therefore unclear whether the input remained constant during the experiment. The American journalist Krivit created  a video at the end of July 2011, that comments on cuts from the video by Mats Lewan: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uviXoafHWrU]

A further experiment allegedly planned for April&nbsp;21, 2011<ref>http://energycatalyzer.blogspot.com/2011/04/rossi-brings-e-cat-to-stockholm-royal.html</ref>, allowing Swedish scientists Sven Kullander and Hanno Essén of Uppsala University to test the E-Cat, was later denied by Rossi.<ref>http://energycatalyzer.blogspot.com/2011/04/andrea-rossi-no-e-cat-test-at-uppsala.html</ref>

A further experiment allegedly planned for April&nbsp;21, 2011<ref>http://energycatalyzer.blogspot.com/2011/04/rossi-brings-e-cat-to-stockholm-royal.html</ref>, allowing Swedish scientists Sven Kullander and Hanno Essén of Uppsala University to test the E-Cat, was later denied by Rossi.<ref>http://energycatalyzer.blogspot.com/2011/04/andrea-rossi-no-e-cat-test-at-uppsala.html</ref>

==News articles==

==News articles==

*Sibylle Anderl: ''Ein Energiemärchen - Kernfusion mit Nickel und Wasserstoff? Das kalte Gebräu im "Rossi-Reaktor"'', FAZ, 20.7.2011 (Beilage "Natur und Wissenschaft", S.  N1) [http://www.faz.net/artikel/C30950/kalte-fusion-ein-italienisches-energiemaerchen-30468569.html Artikel bei FAZ net]

*Sibylle Anderl: ''Ein Energiemärchen - Kernfusion mit Nickel und Wasserstoff? Das kalte Gebräu im "Rossi-Reaktor"'', FAZ, 20.7.2011 (addon "Natur und Wissenschaft", S.  N1) [http://www.faz.net/artikel/C30950/kalte-fusion-ein-italienisches-energiemaerchen-30468569.html Artikel bei FAZ net]

*[http://www3.lastampa.it/fileadmin/media/settimanali/tuttoscienze/PDF/5.pdf Luigi Grassia: ''Misteri - serie di test a Bologna''. La Stampa, 11.5.2011 (Italian)]  

*[http://www3.lastampa.it/fileadmin/media/settimanali/tuttoscienze/PDF/5.pdf Luigi Grassia: ''Misteri - serie di test a Bologna''. La Stampa, 11.5.2011 (Italian)]  

*[http://www.iltempo.it/2011/05/10/1256276-energia_gratis_parla_italiano.shtml?refresh_ce Antonio Angeli: ''L'energia gratis parla italiano - Il sogno del «generatore magico» sembra realizzato. L'ha inventato un bolognese'', Il Tempo, May 10, 2011 (Italian)]

*[http://www.iltempo.it/2011/05/10/1256276-energia_gratis_parla_italiano.shtml?refresh_ce Antonio Angeli: ''L'energia gratis parla italiano - Il sogno del «generatore magico» sembra realizzato. L'ha inventato un bolognese'', Il Tempo, May 10, 2011 (Italian)]

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHZrhTQhUc] (Demonstration Bologna January 3, 2011)

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHZrhTQhUc] (Demonstration Bologna January 3, 2011)

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8QdVwY98E Steven Krivit: "2011 - Andrea Rossi Explains His Energy Catalyzer", Video of a demonstration on June 14, 2011]

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8QdVwY98E Steven Krivit: "2011 - Andrea Rossi Explains His Energy Catalyzer", Video of a demonstration on June 14, 2011]

==References==

==References==