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Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer (view source)

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378 bytes added , 21:52, 4 September 2011

Updated to current version in German

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

[[image:John_Michell_Ecat.jpg|Planned book of a John Michell: Rossi's eCcat - Free Energy, Free Money, Free People. (Xecnet Verlag)|thumb]]

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The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor planned to be marketed 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<ref>Andrea Rossi in his patent application, page 12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref> which, at strong heat, led to the creation of copper. Rossi's 2011 demonstrations were criticized by various sources. Neither gamma nor neutron radiation typical for fusion processes 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 of the creation of non-natural isotope ratios in the alleged fusion products. The respective experiments which should have shown energy production through "cold fusion" suffered from several methodic shortcomings and displayed contradicting statements. Independent tests, which might have proven a fusion process according to the said principle, failed so far. Specialist literature regarding the "energy-catalyzer" is not available (as of Juli 2011).

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The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor planned to be marketed 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<ref>Andrea Rossi in his patent application, page 12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref> which, at strong heat, led to the creation of copper. Rossi's 2011 demonstrations were criticized by various sources. Neither gamma nor neutron radiation typical for fusion processes 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 of the creation of non-natural isotope ratios in the alleged fusion products. The respective experiments which should have shown energy production through "cold fusion" suffered from several methodic shortcomings and displayed contradicting statements. Independent tests, which might have proven a fusion process according to the said principle, failed so far. Specialist literature regarding the "energy-catalyzer" is not available (as of Juli 2011).

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In March 2011, a Greek business journal titled „Investor's World“ reported the concept was central to a speculative investment deal worth several hundred million Euro. Greek startup "Defkalion is currently ~~(July 2011)~~ offering state licenses for commercialization of the invention at a price of 40.5 million Euros per country.<ref>July 6th, 2011 Dear interested party, You have received this email because you have shown an initial interest for commercial involvement with our company and our products based on Andrea Rossi’s e-Cat invention (exothermic reaction between Hydrogen and Nickel). Many have signed non disclosure agreements with us and others are in the process of doing so. We offer you the possibility to meet with us prior to our public announcement that we accept international expressions of interest through our website as of September 2011.

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In March 2011, a Greek business journal titled „Investor's World“ reported the concept was central to a speculative investment deal worth several hundred million Euro. Greek startup "Defkalion is currently is offering state licenses for commercialization of the invention at a price of 40.5 million Euros per country since July 2011.<ref>July 6th, 2011 Dear interested party, You have received this email because you have shown an initial interest for commercial involvement with our company and our products based on Andrea Rossi’s e-Cat invention (exothermic reaction between Hydrogen and Nickel). Many have signed non disclosure agreements with us and others are in the process of doing so. We offer you the possibility to meet with us prior to our public announcement that we accept international expressions of interest through our website as of September 2011. As such, this letter will update you on our current status, and provide you with a clearer understanding of the structure with which we are proceeding for all international partnerships. As many of you know, the manner is the same globally. Regarding exclusivity, having received expressions of interest from 63 countries and more than 850 companies, we decided to change our non-exclusivity approach so that due diligence and selection of multiple partners in any given country is the responsibility off the country rights holder. As such, we will only sign agreements with one company per country. Any additional factories will pass through this partner. --- --- Regarding our international sales approach, it is as follows:

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As such, this letter will update you on our current status, and provide you with a clearer understanding of the structure with which we are proceeding for all international partnerships. As many of you know, the manner is the same globally.

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Regarding exclusivity, having received expressions of interest from 63 countries and more than 850 companies, we decided to change our non-exclusivity approach so that due diligence and selection of multiple partners in any given country is the responsibility off the country rights holder. As such, we will only sign agreements with one company per country. Any additional factories will pass through this partner. --- --- Regarding our international sales approach, it is as follows:

 We sell the rights to manufacture our products exclusively to one company for a given country at a fixed royalty price of 40.5 million Euros per factory producing 300,000 units annually. Within this price, we will:

o Provide the blueprints to establish the factory according to our international standardized plans, including all details for the machinery / software / technical know-how used in the factory.

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Director Business Development & Marketing

Defkalion Green Technologies

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</ref>

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</ref> However, in August Rossi ended the just weeks old association with the Creek company.

Inventor Rossi, having got in conflict with the law previously, had also supplied thermoelectrical elements of an alleged miraculous efficiency which, however, displayed merely average properties when tested.

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Yes

Warm regards,

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A.R.</ref> 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. 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 the emission of 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", in answering an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>

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A.R.</ref> 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. 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 the emission of 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", in answering an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>

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 + H2 --> Ni + 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.

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Looking for possible heat sources, [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption_%28chemistry%29 absorption]] of hydrogen in nickel in a chemical reaction comes to mind. Hydrogen gas can enter into nickel (and other metals). Extraction on the other hand leads to cooling.

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===The energy catalyzer and the Widom Larson theory===

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In 2011, cold fusion supporters repeatedly voiced speculations that the functional principle of Rossi's energy catalyzer was connected to a theory which is not recognized by scientific physics, the [[Widom Larson theory]], in which the Coulomb barrier played no role. On inquiry, Andrea Rossi explained this theory was not necessary to explain the functional principle. The theory was formulated in 2005 by Allan Widom and Lewis Larsen and published in "Eur. Phys. J. C"<ref>"Ultra Low Momentum Neutron Catalyzed Nuclear Reactions on Metallic Hydride Surfaces," Eur. Phys. J. C, 46: 107–111. (2006)</ref> ([http://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0505026 Full Text]). According to this theory, the "cold fusion" processes discussed are not actual fusion but interactions in which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weak_interaction weak nuclear force] plays a role. This theory claims electrons and protons were able to tansform to „ultra low momentum“ neutrons and one neutrino (e- + p ->n + neutrino). The Ultra Low Momentum Neutrons are said to bond to adjacent nuclei after a short time. The Widom Larson theory should avoid the problem of the ''"Three Miracles of Cold Fusion"'' of Huizenga - 1993 (the lack of measurable neutron radiation, avoidance of the Coulomb barrier, and the lack of high-energy gamma rays) due to purported compliance with established physical laws. Reactions involving the weak interaction are mediated by [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/W-Boson W bosons] which could be demonstrated experimentally in 1983 with the particle accelerator (CERN). W-bosons have roughly 80 times the mass of protons and a very short range.

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=~~===The energy catalyzer and the Widom Larson theory====~~

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===The mysterious catalyst===

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In 2011, cold fusion supporters repeatedly voiced speculations that the functional principle of Rossi's energy catalyzer was connected to a theory which is not recognized by scientific physics, the [[Widom Larson theory]], in which the Coulomb barrier played no role. On inquiry, Andrea Rossi explained this theory was not necessary to explain the functional principle. The theory was formulated in 2005 by Allan Widom and Lewis Larsen and published in "Eur. Phys. J. C"<ref>"Ultra Low Momentum Neutron Catalyzed Nuclear Reactions on Metallic Hydride Surfaces," Eur. Phys. J. C, 46: 107–111. (2006)</ref> ([http://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0505026 Full Text]). According to this theory, the "cold fusion" processes discussed are not actual fusion but interactions in which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weak_interaction weak nuclear force] plays a role. This theory claims electrons and protons were able to transform to „ultra low momentum“ neutrons and one neutrino (e- + p ->n + neutrino). The Ultra Low Momentum Neutrons are said to bond to adjacent nuclei after a short time. The Widom Larson theory should avoid the problem of the ''"Three Miracles of Cold Fusion"'' of Huizenga - 1993 (the lack of measurable neutron radiation, avoidance of the Coulomb barrier, and the lack of high-energy gamma rays) due to purported compliance with established physical laws. Reactions involving the weak interaction are mediated by [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/W-Boson W bosons] which could be demonstrated experimentally in 1983 with the particle accelerator (CERN). W-bosons have roughly 80 times the mass of protons and a very short range.

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==The mysterious catalyst==

Inventors claim 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 use of a catalyst in fusion processes is unknown.

Unverifiable internet rumours speculate it might be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raney_nickel "Raney-Nickel"] since two fires in Rossi's laboratories were caused by "Raney-Nickel". Upon inquiry, Rossi stated that no Raney-Nickel was used. Focardi stated he was not aware of the composition of the catalyst himself, since only Rossi knew it. In a radio interview dated March 6, 2011, Focardi offered some speculations about the compound. He believes it was a chemical compound, not an element. It was not uranium. The obvious purpose of the substance was to catalyse the transformation of heated hydrogen gas (H2) into atomic hydrogen (a discussion of possible catalysts for this purpose can be found in a paper by 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 prohibited to do a spectral analysis of possible gamma radiation, since it might allow the identification of elements of the compound.

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==Deactivation==

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===Deactivation===

In his report on the experiment dated March 29, 2011, Professor Sven Kullander wrote 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 off when operating temperature was achieved. The red wire in the picture to the right (cm 31 - 34) apparently is the heater supply. With a cable this thick it is possible to power the heater with 220 volt/10 amp from a regular wall outlet, which could provide 2,200 Watts and explain the generation of steam.

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==History==

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

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

"Anomalies" when adding hydrogen to nickel have been reported since 1936. 1989 was marked by wide media attention to cold fusion as a result of claims regarding failed experiments by Fleischmann and Pons. In the same year, Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli (formerly University of Siena) believed to have incidentally observed a strong heat emission with temperatures above 1,450° 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 was not able to 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 done experiments with electrolysis and with nickel and hydrogen since then.

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In 2007 Andrea Rossi is said to have offered Sergio Focardi a contract as a consultant, which led to cooperation.

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==Experiments and demonstrations==

==Experiment on December 16, 2010==

A test of the E-cat reactor was done on December 16, 2010 (apparently in Bologna), but so far no details are known.

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==Presentation on January 14, 2011==

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===Presentation on January 14, 2011===

[[image:FAE4.jpg|Video of an experiment taking several minutes during a public presentation on 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])|300px|left|thumb]]

[[image:RF_14012011_3.jpg|Temperature curve, with two periods (17 minutes) during which 100°C were reached (reconstructed from video)|300px|thumb]]

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[[image:RF_Thermometer.jpg|Comparison of the shown probe to a HP474AC probe (Image: www.physicsforums.com)|thumb]]

[[image:RF_Pumpe.jpg|Specifications of pump used "LMI P18" (Image: www.physicsforums.com)|thumb]]

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Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi gave a press conference on January 14, 2011 which was not only attended by Italian public television station RAI (RAI 3) and numerous journalists, but also by several physicists employed at universities. Admission was restricted to invited guests. The presentation was done in rooms rented from the company "GM System" in an industrial area of Bologna<ref>Company GM System, Via dell'Elettricista 16, Bologna</ref> and not in rooms of Bologna University, as is claimed on various websites. GM Systems has further business ties to Rossi. During this press conference, the function of the reactor was demonstrated for about an hour (55 minutes) in an adjoining room. An analysis of recorded measurement data which can be seen on the screen of a notebook in a Youtube-video for a couple of seconds allow to estimate a period of 15 to 20&nbspminutes(probably 17  minutes), during which a water temperature of 100 degrees or more was achieved (see picture). The data visible on the notebook were omitted from the report on the experiment (according to physicist Levi, they were "lost"). Later, in June 2011, it became known the data were not actually "lost", Levi was willing to send them to the visiting ~~reporter~~ Steven Krivit. The report also mentions a period of 40 minutes, obviously referring to the entire period including heating up. To calculate the heat output, inadvertent or deliberately incorrect data of water throughput were included, which was in truth less than half of the said amount. The inventors reported the experiment in their blog<ref>http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/?p=360</ref>, and published three Youtube videos in Italian language [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-0WvK2b7dU], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Ru1eAymvE], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHZrhTQhUc].

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Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi gave a press conference on January 14, 2011 which was not only attended by Italian public television station RAI (RAI 3) and numerous journalists, but also by several physicists employed at universities. Admission was restricted to invited guests. The presentation was done in rooms rented from the company "GM System" in an industrial area of Bologna<ref>Company GM System, Via dell'Elettricista 16, Bologna</ref> and not in rooms of Bologna University, as is claimed on various websites. GM Systems has further business ties to Rossi. During this press conference, the function of the reactor was demonstrated for about an hour (55 minutes) in an adjoining room. An analysis of recorded measurement data which can be seen on the screen of a notebook in a Youtube-video for a couple of seconds allow to estimate a period of 15 to 20&nbspminutes(probably 17  minutes), during which a water temperature of 100 degrees or more was achieved. (see picture). The data visible on the notebook were omitted from the report on the experiment (according to physicist Levi, they were "lost"). Later, in June 2011, it became known the data were not actually "lost", Levi was willing to send them to the visiting journalist Steven Krivit. The report also mentions a period of 40 minutes, obviously referring to the entire period including heating up. To calculate the heat output, inadvertent or deliberately incorrect data of water throughput were included, which was in truth less than half of the said amount. The inventors reported the experiment in their blog<ref>http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/?p=360</ref>, and published three Youtube videos in Italian language [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-0WvK2b7dU], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Ru1eAymvE], [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmHZrhTQhUc].

During the press conference they mentioned a heat input of 600 Watts, at a calculated output of 12,000 Watts (12 kW). However, according to a report published (G. Levi), actual supplied power was 1,022 Watt on average. A further analysis of the data published showed a result of 1,073 Watt.<ref>http://www.e-catalyzer.se/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7</ref> Power used was between 400 and 1,500 W. The inventors calculated their estimate of generated heat from the heated water: 292 grammes of water per minute were heated from 20 °C to 101 °C (allegedly dry vapour) and evaporated. The attending physicists were allowed to take some measurements. They were disappointed, however, as a spectral analysis of the gamma radiation was denied for secrecy reasons. A detailed report submitted by independent physicists from Bologna University stated that no gamma radiation was detected, although the device was supplied with two openings for measurement purposes. Excerpt from the report:

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Observers were allowed to weigh the hydrogen gas container before and after the experiment (weight: 13,66 kgs). Even considering possible errors in measurement (duct tape still attached), hydrogen usage was estimated at less than one gramme. Not enough to make conventional hydrogen combustion plausible. Link to the report: [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]

[[image:Rf_14012011_8.jpg|Alternative calculation explaining the reported values without cold fusion(Source: unknown author "Ascoli65" from Italian forum EnergeticAmbiente.it)|480px|thumb]]

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'''Inconsistencies''': Several incomprehensible pieces of information were provided shortly after the experiment. Even weeks later, Rossi's team did not react with a correction. Not only was the duration of the experiment shorter than claimed before at 17 minutes (during which temperature was close to or above 100 degrees), but there is also reason to doubt further claims of inventors and operators of the experiment. The estimate of energy by evaporation of water (phase change) was criticized at "www.physicsforums.com" in retrospect, as respective calculations were made assuming dry vapour without fractions of condensed water, which was not proven. The probe shown in the video can only measure the heat but not relative humidity of the steam. A combined probe of the type HP474AC (Delta Ohm) was claimed to have been used, but the video shows a different probe which looks like an SPC C45 0500 BEX - probe. An HP474AC probe is not visible in any video. The claimed water throughput of 292 ml/min. (= 17.5 liter/h) was doubted too, since the pump used had only half of this capacity according to specification. A pump of the type "LMI P18" had been used, as was confirmed in May 2011 by the Swedish journalist Mats Lewan. Several previous inquiries about the type of pump were not answered by Andrea Rossi.<ref>From JONP-Blog, Question to Rossi: ''January 28th, 2011 at 10:57 AM Excuse, Dr. Levi, my insistence, but on the lack of an answer to my previous question, let me temporarily assume that the model of the pump used in the January 14th test belongs actually to the Milton Roy LMI Series P1. In such a case, the capacity per stroke could be at maximum 2 ml (model P18 in the Series P1). Now, considering the pump has been operated at about 57 strokes per minute (hear sound at the beginning of movie 2/3), it makes a maximum water flow rate of 114 ml per minute, that would be 39% only of the value indicated in your preliminary report. Probably, I have got a bad impression and the pump was another one. So I think it would be of great importance, if you could gather and kindly specify, here and/or on the final version of your report, the real specific model and the relevant operating data of the water pump used in your verification test. Thank you and best regards'' (Name) A. Rossi: Andrea Rossi January 28th, 2011 at 10:32 PM Dear (Name): I do not know which kind of pump it was, because it has been chosen by the testers, but what I can say, regarding your comment, is: 1- the amount of the flow of water has been tested many times during the test, filling a reservoir with a well known volume and taking the time to fill it up. 2- I thank you very much for validating our test by redundance: in fact, if only the 39% of the measured flow should have been passed, the reactor would have produced 4.8 kWh, consuming 400 Wh. I am sure that you, being an engineer of a great energy provider, know the first and also the second thermodynamic principle, therefore I am sure you made your comment to congratulate us. For this reason I thank you infinitely. Warm Regards, Andrea Rossi</ref>.

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'''Inconsistencies''': Several incomprehensible pieces of information were provided shortly after the experiment. Even weeks later, Rossi's team did not react with a correction. Not only was the duration of the experiment shorter than claimed before at 17 minutes (during which temperature was close to or above 100 degrees), but there is also reason to doubt further claims of inventors and operators of the experiment. The estimate of energy by evaporation of water(phase change) was criticized at "www.physicsforums.com" in retrospect, as respective calculations were made assuming dry vapour without fractions of condensed water, which was not proven. The probe shown in the video can only measure the heat but not relative humidity of the steam. A combined probe of the type HP474AC (Delta Ohm) was claimed to have been used, but the video shows a different probe which looks like an SPC C45 0500 BEX - probe. An HP474AC probe is not visible in any video. The claimed water throughput of 292 ml/min. (= 17.5 liter/h) was doubted too, since the pump used had only half of this capacity according to specification. A pump of the type "LMI P18" had been used, as was confirmed in May 2011 by the Swedish journalist Mats Lewan. Several previous inquiries about the type of pump were not answered by Andrea Rossi.<ref>From JONP-Blog, Question to Rossi: ''January 28th, 2011 at 10:57 AM Excuse, Dr. Levi, my insistence, but on the lack of an answer to my previous question, let me temporarily assume that the model of the pump used in the January 14th test belongs actually to the Milton Roy LMI Series P1. In such a case, the capacity per stroke could be at maximum 2 ml (model P18 in the Series P1). Now, considering the pump has been operated at about 57 strokes per minute (hear sound at the beginning of movie 2/3), it makes a maximum water flow rate of 114 ml per minute, that would be 39% only of the value indicated in your preliminary report. Probably, I have got a bad impression and the pump was another one. So I think it would be of great importance, if you could gather and kindly specify, here and/or on the final version of your report, the real specific model and the relevant operating data of the water pump used in your verification test. Thank you and best regards'' (Name) A. Rossi: Andrea Rossi January 28th, 2011 at 10:32 PM Dear (Name): I do not know which kind of pump it was, because it has been chosen by the testers, but what I can say, regarding your comment, is: 1- the amount of the flow of water has been tested many times during the test, filling a reservoir with a well known volume and taking the time to fill it up. 2- I thank you very much for validating our test by redundance: in fact, if only the 39% of the measured flow should have been passed, the reactor would have produced 4.8 kWh, consuming 400 Wh. I am sure that you, being an engineer of a great energy provider, know the first and also the second thermodynamic principle, therefore I am sure you made your comment to congratulate us. For this reason I thank you infinitely. Warm Regards, Andrea Rossi</ref>.

The manufacturer specifies a maximal flow of 12.1 l/h for the LMI P18.<ref>http://www.lmipumps.com/Files/lmi/Global/US-en/site_files/seriesj5.pdf</ref> Other models (A/B/C) of LMI pumps can be ruled out, as they definitely look different. Water throughput of these programmable peristaltic pumps can be regulated. The number of strokes per minute and the pumped volume can be regulated separately. The maximal number of strokes is 100 per minute. At 100 strokes/min, maximum throughput will be achieved. In one of the YouTube videos of the presentation on January 14, 2011, pump strokes are clearly audible for 30 seconds.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Ru1eAymvE</ref> Counting them, 29 or 30  strokes in those thirty seconds can be established. The pump was regulated to 59 to 60 strokes/minute, which corresponds to 60% of maximal flow rate. The heat output calculated by the team is thus 240% higher than the output actually possible using the pump shown in the video, and therefore certainly wrong. These faulty specifications on the average power (1,073 W instead of 600 W) result in an additional grave error of 78%. Assuming just a few percent of condensed water in the vapour would allow to explain the steam generation just by electrical heating.

The report on the experiment states that the hydrogen cylinder employed was weighed before and after the test to establish the amount of hydrogen used with a margin of less than a gramme. Regarding the weight of the pressure cylinder, different data are given, but it is said to have been 13.66 kg. Available scales for the given range (for 20/30/60 kg) allow to read weight in steps of 0.1 gramme, but their precision is far less. Possible scales just offer a precision of 0.2 to 0.4 gram.<ref>Sartorius (CPA34001S) 34 kg d=0,1 gr e 0,2 gr.[http://www.sartorius-mechatronics.com/DE/de/praezisions-waage-dy3xpfyyb7o.html] Precisa 490K 34000D, 34 kg d=0,1 gr e 0,2 gr [http://www.as-waegetechnik.de/produkte/Industriewaagen/iw/praezisionswaagen_assets/Precisa%20490.pdf] Kern CDS 15K0.05 15 kg d=0,05 g, e 0,25 g Adam Equipment PGL-20001 Precision Balance 20 kg d 0.1g, linearity (±): 0.4g</ref>

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==Undocumented experiment on February 10/11, 2011==

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===Undocumented experiment on February 10/11, 2011===

On February 10 or 11, 2011, a further "internal test" of the „E-Cat“ was carried out in Bologna, attended by allegedly "independent" physics lecturer Guiseppe Levi from Bologna University. Several internet sources claim the test instead happened on February 18, 2011. Sole witness was physicist Levi, head of a physics faculty research group which received financial grants for their support in the project. Levi was also responsible for the poor quality report regarding the test in January. According to Guiseppe Levi's description, published in a Swedish online article titled ''"Cold Fusion: 18 hour test excludes combustion"''<ref>Mats Lewan: ''Cold Fusion: 18 hour test excludes combustion'', "nyteknik.se", article from February 23, 2011. [http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3108242.ece Text]</ref>, a hose connected the device to a water tap this time in order to cool the "reactor". Tap water was said to have flown through the device at about 1 liter per second and was warmed by 5 degrees (to 15-20 degrees). Obviously this test was done to counter the criticism of test conditions in January. The test was said to have run continuously for 18 hours, a water meter quantified the flow, and the test was monitored by video during the night (this video was never released). The "reactor" was allegedly heated up for ten minutes with 1,250 Watts initially and subsequently only a control unit was supplied with 80 Watts, while an alleged constant thermal performance of 15-20 Kilowatt was established. According to Levi, 0.4 grammes of hydrogen were used in those 18 hours. The same source quotes Levi with the remark he now excluded "chemical energy sources" as heat source:

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The placement of the probe, supposed to measure water temperatures during the test, was also criticized. The probe was inserted from outside the "reactor" and might have come into contact with an inner heating resistor which would have rendered an assessment of heat output impossible. Further criticism was targeted at the start temperature which might even have been below the (unknown) room temperature, which even more complicates the interpretation of the data.

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==Experiment on March 29, 2011==

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===Experiment on March 29, 2011===

[[image:29032011_1.jpg|350px|thumb]]

[[image:29032011_5.jpg|(with claimed working conditions)|350px|thumb]]

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It is not only statistically (almost) impossible that, after an alleged fusion reaction with copper as a fusion product, a "used" sample will show the same isotope ratio as found in nature. Further considerations on sample analysis expose insurmountable obstacles to the possibility of fusion: In theory, the stable copper isotopes 63Cu and 65Cu might be a result of fusion of hydrogen and nickel isotopes 62Ni and 64Ni (add one proton each). But according to the Swedish Institute having analysed the samples, the unused nickel sample only contained 4.5% in sum of these stable nickel isotopes. Assuming all nickel 62 and nickel 64 atoms had been fused (which is unlikely) with a proton (hydrogen nucleus), the amount of copper would not amount to even 10% of the resulting mass. Even an alternative reaction chain with unstable isotopes is impossible based on the measured isotope ratios and the absence of radiation. It would be possible to assume nickel 58 as a starting isotope which would become copper 59 and decay to nickel 59 which in turn would become copper 60 and decay to nickel 60 which would fuse to copper 61, decay to nickel 61 and fuse to copper 62 and decay to nickel 62. In the end stable copper 63 would be formed. But this would necessitate a completely different copper isotope ratio then found in the analysis.

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==Experiments in April 2011==

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===Experiments in April 2011===

[[image:19042011_2.jpg|Temperature graph and alleged working conditions of the test on April 19|350px|thumb]]

[[image:28042011_1.jpg|Two heating resistors switched on (9/3)|left|thumb]]

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

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

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On April 19 and April 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 Watts, allegedly several litres of water evaporated. Rossi estimated the heating output at more than 2 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 28, 2011 is available.<ref>http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3166451.ece</ref> The dosimetric pump LMI P18 was used once more. Water throughput was specified with 63-69 ml/min this time, a value which is possible according to manufacturers' specifications. Stroke frequency was 32/min. With a stroke-volume of 2 ml (maximum), the throughput is 64 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 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]

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On April 19 and April 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 Watts, allegedly several litres of water evaporated. Rossi estimated the heating output at more than 2 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 28, 2011 is available.<ref>http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3166451.ece</ref> The dosimetric pump LMI P18 was used once more. Water throughput was specified with 63-69 ml/min this time, a value which is possible according to manufacturers' specifications. Stroke frequency was 32/min. With a stroke-volume of 2 ml (maximum), the throughput is 64 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 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 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>

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==Presentation on June 14, 2011==

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===Presentation on June 14, 2011===

[[image:RF14062011_1.jpg|Experiments on June 14, 2011 (image: blog of Daniele Passerini)|300px|thumb]]

[[image:RF14062011Strom.jpg|Current measurement: 3,5 A (805 W). (image: blog of Daniele Passerini)|left|thumb]]

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[[image:RF14062011_KV1.jpg|Cooling water temperature curve|thumb]]

[[image:RF14062011_KV3.jpg|thumb]]

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On June 14, 2011 a further demonstration of four E-cat devices took place in Bologna. The U.S. publisher of "New Energy Times", Steven B. Krivit, was invited. Krivit and other visitors were allowed to take pictures and follow the measurements during the presentation. As before, the actual reactor was not allowed to be inspected. Krivit conducted several video interviews with Andrea Rossi, Sergio Focardi, and the physicist Guiseppe Levi.

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On June 14, 2011 a further demonstration of four E-cat devices took place in Bologna. The U.S. publisher of "New Energy Times", Steven B. Krivit was invited. Krivit and other visitors were allowed to take pictures and follow the measurements during the presentation. As before, the actual reactor was not allowed to be inspected. Krivit conducted several video interviews with Andrea Rossi, Sergio Focardi, and the physicist Guiseppe Levi.

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According to information from an Italian blog, the ECat was connected to a ~~cntrol~~ unit by two power cables. The power taken from the main supply was 805 Watt (230 V / 3.5 A). According to Rossi, heating power was just 748 W, but he falsely assumes a voltage of 220 V (220 x 3,4 A = 748 W). Voltage in Italy has been 230 V for 10 years now. A voltage of more than 230 V was measured in the showrooms several times. Rossi specified the entire heating output of the reactor at 5 kW, which would correspond to an "energy efficiency" of 6.7 times the input.

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According to information from an Italian blog, the ECat was connected to a control unit by two power cables. The power taken from the main supply was 805 Watt (230 V / 3.5 A). According to Rossi, heating power was just 748 W, but he falsely assumes a voltage of 220 V (220 x 3,4 A = 748 W). Voltage in Italy has been 230 V for 10 years now. A voltage of more than 230 V was measured in the showrooms several times. Rossi specified the entire heating output of the reactor at 5 kW, which would correspond to an "energy efficiency" of 6.7 times the input.

At an ambient temperature of 31.8 degrees Celsius, water with a temperature of 26.5 degrees had been heated to 100,1 degrees using the LMI pump already known, and all water was evaporated. Rossi once more claims the same improbable value for water flow of 7 kg/h(117 gr/min, 1.94 gr/s). Watching a video taken by observer Steven Krivit, however, shows that pump frequency was about 20-24 strokes/min.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-8QdVwY98E</ref> Thus water flow had to be below 48 grams per minute (or 0.8g/s, 2.88 kg/h). In a picture taken by observer Passerini, a pumping rate of 40 is visible (80 ml/min, 1.33 ml/s, 4.8 l/h). It remains unclear, however, whether the picture was taken during the experiment. The temperature curve of the cooling water cannot be brought into a meaningful relationship to the claimed flow rate of 7kg/h: Cooling water comes from a water canister with a temperature sensor of about 25 cms length plugged in from the top. When the water is pumped away, the probe gets out of the water and takes up air temperature quickly. A screenshot of the temperature curve on the notebook shows that quite a lot of water was drained during the first half of the day, so that the probe hung in the air soon. In the afternoon water flow apparently was throttled. For at least three hours the probe was in water(about 12:00 to 15:00). This means that during these three hours, 9 liters of water (calculated from the dimensions of the canister and the length of the probe) were drained at most, which would be about 3 liters per hour and correspond to the calculated value from the audible stroke frequency of the pump. To get to 7 liters/h, someone would have had to secretly pour 4 liters of water with 26.5 degrees into the canister. Adding colder tap water would have shown in the temperature curve.

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Krivit published a disappointing preliminary report three days later.<ref>Krivit S.B.: ''Preliminary Report of Interviews with E-Cat Trio Rossi, Focardi and Levi''. June 16, 2011. New Energy Times Blog. [http://blog.newenergytimes.com/2011/06/16/preliminary-report-of-interviews-with-e-cat-trio-rossi-focardi-and-levi/]</ref> According to his preliminary report, the steam outlet was not visible and ended directly in a drain. Only when a black hose was removed from the drain (Rossi was careful to lift the hose to let any water in the hose run down the drain), "white steam" could be seen exiting the hose. 100 % dry steam is invisible, white steam is a sign of condensed water droplets.

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Krivit published a disappointing preliminary report three days later.<ref>Krivit S.B.: ''Preliminary Report of Interviews with E-Cat Trio Rossi, Focardi and Levi''. June 16, 2011. New Energy Times Blog. [http://blog.newenergytimes.com/2011/06/16/preliminary-report-of-interviews-with-e-cat-trio-rossi-focardi-and-levi/]</ref> According to his preliminary report, the steam outlet was not visible and ended directly in a drain. Only when a black hose was removed from the drain (Rossi was careful to lift the hose to let any water in the hose run down the drain), "white steam" could be seen exiting the hose. 100 % dry steam is invisible, white steam is a sign of condensed water droplets.

According to the summary by Krivit, ''the scientific details provided by the E-Cat trio have been highly deficient and have not enabled the public to make an objective evaluation''. The Essen/Kullander report, too, had ..''significant weakness in its presentation of data and calculations and is highly constrained by the methodology dictated and instrumentation provided by the E-Cat trio''. According to Krivit, he is not sure if Levi did understand the potential impact of confirmation of dry vapour. Krivit advised Levi to rework his controversial report of January 21, 2011 and asked for original raw data measured by chemist Galantini during the experiment on January 14, 2011, which allegedly confirmed dry vapour in that experiment. A fierce dispute broke out between Krivit and Levi over these data. Levi is said to have agreed to send him the "Galantini Data". The "Galantini data" are, however, just a set of e-mails from a chemist who is claimed to have done measurements.<ref>-------- Messaggio originale -------- Oggetto: sonda Data: Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:56:41 +0100

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Galantini dr. Gilberto

Ordine dei Chimici n.194

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Provincia di Ferrara</ref> It is apparent from the e-mails that the commisioned chemist Gilberto Galantini used an unsuitable meter for the problem at hand. Galantini measured a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidity#Relative_humidity relative humidity] of allegedly 100.1 degrees Celsius hot steam with a probe (HP474AC) to determine the relative humidity in the air. The real question, however, deals with the distinction between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_vapor water vapor] and dry vapor.

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Provincia di Ferrara</ref> It is apparent from the e-mails that the commisioned chemist Gilberto Galantini used an unsuitable meter for the problem at hand. Galantini measured a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidity#Relative_humidity relative humidity] of allegedly 100.1 degrees Celsius hot steam with a probe(HP474AC) to determine the relative humidity in the air. The real question, however, deals with the distinction between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_vapor water vapor] and dry vapor.

Swedish physicist Peter Ekström of Lund University presented calculations based on Krivit's video and came to a devastatingly negative result which can be read on the internet.<ref>http://www.fysik.org/WebSite/fragelada/resurser/cold_fusion_krivit.pdf</ref> According to his calculations, a powerful jet of steam should have left the hose but that did not happen.

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After Krivit's report had been published, inventor Andrea Rossi responded very irritated and obviously angry with the visitor invited by him, the "Clown" Krivit, whom he also called a "snake".<ref>June 17th, 2011 at 3:10 PM Dear Maryyugo: We have already made enough public tests, either heating the water ( please go to read all our reports and papers on the Journal Of Nuclear Physics, or making steam. In this last case we always made the measurement of unvaporized water residue giving the result in mass. Our tests have been made with Professors of Physics working with the Universities of Bologna, Uppsala, Stockolm, with CERN, with INFN, and I think that only an imbecile can think that such Persons are not able to weight water in steam. We are receiving suggestions how to measure the water in steam, and this is like teach to a cat how to miew. By the way: the steam from the reactors which we are testing now, and that will compound the 1 MW plant, is dry. The steam during the interview of the clown of yesterday was totally dry. Of course, should be this not true, our Customers will be very angry: in that case, that will be an opinion which will be very important for us, while the opinion of our competitors and of their friends, for obvious reasons, have not much importance for us, if any. Now I have to make my 1 MW plant, then we will make other 1 MW plants for our Customers. That’s all we will do. Our Customers tests are the sole tests that count, for us. Therefore, I have absolutely not time for competitors anxious to test my Cat to make their “validation”. About the work that we will make with the University of Bologna and Uppsala, this will not be a public demo, but a work of Research and Development, made closed doors. Warm Regards, A.R.</ref> According to Rossi, the vistior had "understood nothing" and written a "ridiculous" report. He also accused Krivit of having been "sent by someone that wants to dwarf our work". Furthermore, he had tried to blackmail physicist Levi who has already given this to his attorney:

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:''..Probably this journalist has been sent by someone that wants to dwarf our work. He also tried to blackmail ~~Prof~~. Levi, and Levi already has given to his attorney due. information..''<ref>Dear Craig: Mr Krivit has understood nothing of what he saw, from what I have read in his ridiculous report… This guy has seen for half an hour an E-Cat in the factory where we make many tests, made some questions to Prof. Levi, Prof. Focardi and me. Evidently has understood nothing, perhaps for the short time we gave him, also because we have to work. Prof. Levi has explained very well to him how the measures have been made and the importance of the issue. He has explained very well that the percentage of uncondensed water in the steam has been measured in weight (in volume is impossible, for various reasons), and he also got confirmation of this from a specialist from whom he has taken indipendent counsel. Nevertheless, he has understood nothing, or wanted not to understand, for reasons he better knows. Our tests have been performed by Physics Professors, who know how to make measures , and I am measuring the performance every day on 300 reactors. In any case we will start our 1 MW plant in october and we will see how it works. Of course I assure his considerations are invalid, but I want to say more: our products on the market will confirm this. Probably this journalist has been sent by someone that wants to dwarf our work. He also tried to blackmail prof. Levi, and Levi already has given to his attorney due. information . Warm Regards, A.R. 17 giugno 2011 11:48</ref>

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:''..Probably this journalist has been sent by someone that wants to dwarf our work. He also tried to blackmail prof. Levi, and Levi already has given to his attorney due. information..''<ref>Dear Craig: Mr Krivit has understood nothing of what he saw, from what I have read in his ridiculous report… This guy has seen for half an hour an E-Cat in the factory where we make many tests, made some questions to Prof. Levi, Prof. Focardi and me. Evidently has understood nothing, perhaps for the short time we gave him, also because we have to work. Prof. Levi has explained very well to him how the measures have been made and the importance of the issue. He has explained very well that the percentage of uncondensed water in the steam has been measured in weight (in volume is impossible, for various reasons), and he also got confirmation of this from a specialist from whom he has taken indipendent counsel. Nevertheless, he has understood nothing, or wanted not to understand, for reasons he better knows. Our tests have been performed by Physics Professors, who know how to make measures , and I am measuring the performance every day on 300 reactors. In any case we will start our 1 MW plant in october and we will see how it works. Of course I assure his considerations are invalid, but I want to say more: our products on the market will confirm this. Probably this journalist has been sent by someone that wants to dwarf our work. He also tried to blackmail prof. Levi, and Levi already has given to his attorney due. information . Warm Regards, A.R. 17 giugno 2011 11:48</ref>

Physicist Levi responded with an open letter in clumsy English to Krivit, in which he accused him of not having understood his explanations. Also Krivit had not understood that the water content in the steam was measured as a ration of the masses involved.<ref>Dear Mr. Krivit

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Dr. G. Levi</ref>

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==Presentation on Juli 8,2011==

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===Presentation on Juli 8,2011===

On Juli 8th a visitor named Julian Brown was allowed to see a working reactor in Bologna for a brief time. He reported about it in a blog called "ecatnews" and stated that Rossi was assuming a cooling water flow of 15 liters per hour.<ref>http://ecatnews.com/?p=489#comment-70</ref> He saw, however, the already known pump of LMI company and estimated a cooling water flow of only 3 liters/h himself.<ref>Julian Brown July 17, 2011 - 12:41 pm

Rossi gave me a personal demonstration of a group of 4 e-cats working at his premises outside Bologna on Friday 8th. I saw essentially the same set up reported by Krivit in June.

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PS I was in experimental atomic physics research at Oxford from 1981-1989 and have since that time been an employee of the European Patent Office.</ref>

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==Attempts to replicate the experiments==

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===Attempts to replicate the experiments===

*In 1996, a group led by Antonino Zichichi in vain attempted to repeat the pre-Rossi Piantelli-experiment (identical in principle, except for the secret catalyst) at CERN in Geneva for one year. Authors mention established increases in temperature which, however, did not correspond to an increase in energy release:

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Rossi, however, perceived this as a repression of his allegedly ecological conversion technology. He migrated to USA after a series of criminal proceedings. Current business interests (EON srl and EFA srl) are handled by his wife Maddalena Pascucci.

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==EON Srl and Leonardo Corporation==

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==Involved companies==

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===EON Srl and Leonardo Corporation===

[[image:Leonardo_Miami2.jpg|Apartment-house at the address of "Leonardo Corp." (1331, Lincoln rd Miami Beach, App. 505). Image: Google street view|left|300px|thumb]]

[[image:Leonardo_Miami.jpg|Registration of "Leonardo Corp." in Miami Beach|thumb]]

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In June 2011, U.S. attorney David Niebauer from San Francisco added an entry to his blog, reporting he had met with Rossi. Rossi explained he was still looking for a partner to realize a 1 MW small power plant in the United States. He claimed to have offered a demonstration to NASA, but only if they agree to purchase an operating plant once his device obtained the expected efficiency.<ref>Rossi Energy Catalyzer, "The New Fire"? Posted on June 10, 2011 by David Niebauer by David Niebauer I have just finished listening to an astounding podcast of an interview with Dennis Bushnell, Chief Scientist at NASA’s Langley Research Center, talking about low energy nuclear reactions (LENR) and devices that are apparently generating significant energy in the form of heat, with very little input of raw material and no radioactive waste. Bushnell makes reference to Andrea Rossi, an Italian inventor who claims to have discovered a previously unknown source of energy by combining pressurized nickel powder with hydrogen and a catalyst. Rossi has filed for international patent protection, but he is guarding the precise mechanism as a trade secret until the patent issues. I first heard of Andrea Rossi in January of this year on the site Next Big Future where it was reported that Rossi had demonstrated his Energy Catalyzer (or E-Cat, for short) in Bologna, monitored by independent scientific representatives of Bologna University. Ny Teknik, a Swedish technology magazine, reported that, “For about an hour it produced approximately 10 kilowatts of net power, loaded with one gram of nickel powder pressurized with hydrogen. See Wikipedia entry for background. Since that time Rossi has repeatedly demonstrated the device and it has received validation from the Swedish Skeptics Society, among others. Demonstration devices have now also been delivered to the University of Bologna, the University of Uppsala and the University of Stockholm for extended testing. According to Bushnell, what is occurring in the Rossi device is a nuclear reaction, but it’s not a cold fusion. He claims it is a reaction of the Weak Nuclear Force. Bushnell believes that heat is generated from beta decay of subatomic particles and that, applying quantum theory, physicists will soon be able to explain the mechanism. The physics is not well understood, which is fueling a certain amount of skepticism. I recently met with Andrea Rossi and find him to be genuine and credible. Rossi told me that he would like to have a 1MW plant operating in the US by October of this year. He is looking for the right partners to help him enter the market in the United States. According to Rossi, Bushnell is on the wrong track, at least from a theoretical perspective. “If beta decay explained the reactions in my device, I would have been killed already [by the radiation] and we would have found different isotopes,” Rossi told me. He claims that he has a good handle on the theory, but he won’t disclose it until his patent is granted. Bushnell states that NASA is just now finishing a testing lab designed for the specific purpose of investigating LENR. With Rossi making news since early this year that he has built an operating LENR, I hear Bushnell making a pitch to have it tested and validated by NASA. According to Rossi, he will do a demonstration for NASA only if they agree to purchase an operating plant once his device obtains the expected efficiency. Rossi is intent on moving his Energy Catalyzer from the testing lab into the field. I don’t pretend to understand the physics, or to be in a position to know for certain whether the Rossi Energy Catalyzer is the breakthrough we have been waiting for. I will therefore let Dennis Bushnell have the final word for now: “I think we are almost over the “we do not understand it” problem. I think we are almost over the “this does not produce anything useful” problem. I think this will go forward fairly rapidly now. If it does, this is capable of, by itself, completely changing geo-economics, geo-politics, and solving climate issues.” David Niebauer is a corporate and transaction attorney, located in San Francisco, whose practice is focused on financing transactions, M&A and cleantech. www.davidniebauer.com</ref>

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==EFA srl==

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===EFA srl===

Italian company EFA srl, based in Bologna<ref>EFA srl, Via Marsili 4, I-40100 Bologna</ref>, is a company of limited liability and run by Rossi's wife Maddalena Pascucci who holds 70% of its shares. A minority stake is held by a business consultant by the name of Giuliano Guandalini who had previous business connections to Rossi. EFA also owns distribution rights for Europe and is a contractual partner both for Bologna University (as of June 2011, the contract was not signed) and Defkalion.

The same premises housing EFA – Via Marsili 4, Bologna – are also residence of a company Systems GM 2000th (Giuliano Guandalini) owning the rooms in which Rossi happens to conduct his experiments.

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==Leonardo Technologies Inc.==

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===Leonardo Technologies Inc.===

[[image:LTI.jpg|Thermoelectric miracle device of LTI|thumb]]

Leonardo Technologies Inc. (LTI) is another company registered in USA co-founded by Rossi<ref>LEONARDO TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 116 S River RD, BEDFORD, NH 031106734</ref>. However, he sold it at the end of the 1990s. LTI in Manchester (NH/USA) tried to develop thermoelectric modules with miraculous degrees of efficiency. Such elements work due to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect thermoelectric effects] (see also [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling thermoelectric cooling], enabling them to convert temperature differences to electrical voltage. Voltage is very low but through serial circuits higher voltage can be achieved. Efficiency is known to be very low. It ranges between 2 and 4 percent and useful applications are limited to special needs ("plutonium cells", satellite supply without sun collectors). Such converters would be of commercial interest only if efficiencies beyond 15% were achieved. LIT claimed it was able to realize thermoelectric modules (TE-devices) with a 20% efficiency. They further claimed they were able to build big converters with a capacity of several kilowatts. A collaboration with the university of New Hampshire was agreed upon. A device with 1 A and 100 volt (100 watt) was presented. Rossi later continued his research in Italy. The American Department of Defense showed some interest, had the company CTC (in Johnstown, PA) test several devices of LIT and released a test protocol<ref>http://dodfuelcell.cecer.army.mil/library_items/Thermo(2004).pdf</ref>. The modules did not prove to be very reliable Out of 27 devices, only eight worked at all. Instead of 800 to 1,000 watt claimed, they only produced 1  Watt of power. Further problems were thermal expansion and contact issues. Other modules sent later did not produce more power than regular devices commercially available.

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==AmpEnergo==

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===AmpEnergo===

[[image:Coldstream_Park_Office_Park.jpg|Coldstream Park Office Park (Image: NAI Norwood Group, Bedford NH [http://www.nainorwoodgroup.com/propdocs/116%20South%20River%20Road%20Building%20A.pdf])|300px|thumb]]

US startup company AmpEnergo Inc., founded on April 20, 2009 in Bedford, New Hampshire<ref>AmpenErgo Inc., 116-G South River Road, Bedford NH 03110</ref><ref>President: Karl Norwood, founders and main shareholders: Karl Norwood (NAI Norwood Group, Inc.), Richard Noceti (LTI-global.com), Robert Gentile and Craig Cassarino. Minority shareholder: Ronald Engleman</ref> (Website: [http://ampenergo.com/]) signed a contract with inventor Andrea Rossi in March 2011. While "Leonardo Corp." is to build the energy catalyzers, marketing is planned to be done through AmpEnergo. According to Swedish journal Nyteknik, Rossi received a fincancial grant from this company.<ref>http://www.nyteknik.se/nyheter/energi_miljo/energi/article3179019.ece</ref> According to information from the press, AmpEnergo is currently looking for inventors.

The address of AmpEnergo is "Coldstream Park Office Park" owned by real estate company NAI Norwood<ref>http://www.nainorwoodgroup.com/propdocs/116%20South%20River%20Road%20Building%20A.pdf</ref>. According to owners, the building is heated with an electrically operated heat pump. The address is identical with that of real estate company NAI Norwood Group and of Norwood Management Karl Norwood Inc., owned by real estate agent Karl Norwood.<ref>NORWOOD MANAGEMENT KARL NORWOOD INC, 116 S RIVER RD UNIT A, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110</ref><ref>NAI Norwood Group, Inc., 116 South River Road, Bedford NH 03110</ref> and also of Leonardo Corp. and Leonardo Technologies Inc.<ref>LEONARDO TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 116 S River RD, BEDFORD, NH 031106734</ref> owned by Andrea Rossi. The phone numbers of all those companies are identical too ( (603) 668 7000). Despite having been founded in 2009 already , no phone number is known for AmpEnergo Inc. The company is not registered in any phone book or yellow pages in the USA. (as of May 2011)

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===Defkalion Green Technologies===

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==Defkalion Green Technologies==

[[image:defkalion_logo.jpg|left|thumb]]

[[image:defkalion4.jpg|Defkalion Management|thumb]]

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[[image:Defkalion_PK3.jpg|Inventor Rossi with Hauard Chen of "China Research Center for Public Policy"|thumb]]

[[image:Defkalion_science.jpg|Citation: ''The science behind the Ecat increases the probability of particles overcoming the electrostatic potential Coulom barriers in order to penetrate the nucleus by the quantum mechanical tunneling effect, yielding in an exothermic reaction between Hydrigen and Nickel. By decreasing the surface upon which a given amount of pressure is exerted, the odds for the tunneling effect to occur are increased, allowing für higher penetrability of the Coulomb barrier.'' (Website Defkalion 24.06.2011)|thumb]]

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There is a small startup company in Athens named "Defkalion Energy" resp. "Defkalion Green Technologies S.A."<ref>http://www.defkalion-energy.com/</ref><ref>http://newenergytimes.com/v2/sr/RossiECat/docs/DefkalionBoardRegistration.pdf</ref> (named after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deucalion Deucalion],k son of Prometheus in Greek mythology), owned by various investors who, according to Rossi, ~~will~~ produce some of the energy catalyzers. The owners of Defkalion are unknown, but are accordng to Defkalion mostly Greeks with current residence in Canada (64% shareholders) and from Middle Eastern countries Defkalion's major shareholder is a PRAXEN Ltd. based in Limassol (Cyprus).

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There is a small startup company in Athens named "Defkalion Energy" resp. "Defkalion Green Technologies S.A."<ref>http://www.defkalion-energy.com/</ref><ref>http://newenergytimes.com/v2/sr/RossiECat/docs/DefkalionBoardRegistration.pdf</ref> (named after [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deucalion Deucalion], son of Prometheus in Greek mythology), owned by various investors who, according to Rossi, shall produce some of the energy catalyzers. However, at the end of July 2011 it came to a dispute and to the end of the collaboration. Rossi announced that he would sue Defkalion.

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The owners of Defkalion are unknown, but are accordng to Defkalion mostly Greeks with current residence in Canada (64% shareholders) and from Middle Eastern countries Defkalion's major shareholder is a PRAXEN Ltd. based in Limassol (Cyprus).

<ref>The following people are known from the management of Green Technologies:

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Cyprus-based PRAXEN Ltd., connected to Defkalion vice-president Alexandros Xanthoulis, is in a position to keep its shareholders anonymous according to Cypriot law. Andrea Rossi's wife Maddalena Pascucci seems to focus on controlling the commercial aspects of the business in energy catalyzers. She is a director of Italian EFA srl which has business connections to PRAXEN Defkalion Green Technologies Ltd. <ref>Praxen Defkalion Green Technologies (Global) Ltd., is based in Cyprus; it owns the contract signed with the inventor regarding the industrial secret with right of first refusal to sell globally except the US. (Specified on Defkalion-Website, 24.6.2011)</ref>

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While Rossi's "Leonardo Corp." will handle business in USA, Greek company Defkalion is said to hold the license for sales in Greece and the Balkans and ~~will~~ probably ~~also~~ be in charge of worldwide business(except USA). According to Greek journal "Investor's World", premises of a former factory in the town of Xanthi have been bought, on which a 1 MW-small power station equipped with Rossi's energy catalyzers is supposed to be built; these premises will manufacture energy catalyzers in future. A total of three plants is to be built in Xanthi. The same source claims that Defkalion must be regarded a "200 million Euro investment". Half of the investment money (about 100 millions) is said to go to inventor Rossi later.<ref name="talefta" /><ref name ="scan" /><ref name="Investors World Article" /> According to Rossi he will start with the production of his E-cat devices, even if the filed patent won't be granted. He also wants to continue production even if competitors understand his invention through reverse-engeneering.<ref>From a chat conversation at Nyeteknik on March 12, 2011</ref> According to press information, Defkalion intends to begin producing E-cats in 2012, at an annual production of 300,000 devices. During the first year, however, only 40,000 units were to be produced. Between 125 and 200 new jobs were to be created in Xanthi. It was claimed in June 2011 that the investment sum was 300-400 million euro.<ref>Citation: ..''Presented on Thursday, finally, officially, the energy investment project of the Greek company Defkalion Green Technologies SA on the industrial application of scientific discovery of the famous "cold fusion nickel and hydrogen" Italian professors Sergio Foccardi and Andrea Rossi has created great interest internationally''....''Investing a total budget of 300 to 400 million, includes three industrial units, which will settle in Thrace''.. Source: Article "Investing 400 million in Xanthi for "cold fusion" of hydrogen", in "Energy Press", 23.6.2011</ref>

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While Rossi's "Leonardo Corp." will handle business in USA, Greek company Defkalion was said to hold the license for sales in Greece and the Balkans and was probably to be in charge of worldwide business(except USA). In August 2011 Rossi announced that Defkalion has no rights to his inventions anymore. According to Greek journal "Investor's World", premises of a former factory in the town of Xanthi have been bought, on which a 1 MW-small power station equipped with Rossi's energy catalyzers is supposed to be built; these premises will manufacture energy catalyzers in future. A total of three plants is to be built in Xanthi. The same source claims that Defkalion must be regarded a "200 million Euro investment". Half of the investment money (about 100 millions) is said to go to inventor Rossi later.<ref name="talefta" /><ref name ="scan" /><ref name="Investors World Article" /> According to Rossi he will start with the production of his E-cat devices, even if the filed patent won't be granted. He also wants to continue production even if competitors understand his invention through reverse-engeneering.<ref>From a chat conversation at Nyeteknik on March 12, 2011</ref> According to press information, Defkalion intends to begin producing E-cats in 2012, at an annual production of 300,000 devices. During the first year, however, only 40,000 units were to be produced. Between 125 and 200 new jobs were to be created in Xanthi. It was claimed in June 2011 that the investment sum was 300-400 million euro.<ref>Citation: ..''Presented on Thursday, finally, officially, the energy investment project of the Greek company Defkalion Green Technologies SA on the industrial application of scientific discovery of the famous "cold fusion nickel and hydrogen" Italian professors Sergio Foccardi and Andrea Rossi has created great interest internationally''....''Investing a total budget of 300 to 400 million, includes three industrial units, which will settle in Thrace''.. Source: Article "Investing 400 million in Xanthi for "cold fusion" of hydrogen", in "Energy Press", 23.6.2011</ref>

The business model of Defkalion allows long-time leasing of "E-Cat" devices to private clients. A 10 kW or 20 kW facility (information is ambiguous) is said to cost 1,300 Euro per year, including operational costs and "fuel replacement", handled by manufacturers through replacing the device.

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Environmental agencies

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Public Figures:

Hellenic Ministry of Regional Development (Industry & Energy)

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International visitors: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Italy, Germany, Sweden, UK, USA. [http://www.defkalion-energy.com/news_details_pconference]</ref> it was reported that contacts were established to a "China Research Center for Public Policy", whose representative Hauard Chen attented the press conference. Further attendees were politicians from the German Green Party as well as representatives of the Baden Wuerttemberg state government. These informations are established in several Greek newspapers.<ref>http://www.xanthipress.gr/eidiseis/politiki/8178-episimi-parousiasi-tiw-defcalion-.html</ref><ref>http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=de&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xanthipress.gr%2Feidiseis%2Fpolitiki%2F8178-episimi-parousiasi-tiw-defcalion-.html</ref><ref>http://www.xronos.gr/detail.php?ID=69953</ref> As a single name one René Ramminger was mentioned, maybe speaker of Berlin "AG Soziales & Arbeit KV Tempelhof-Schöneberg" of "Bündnis90/Die Grünen"/Berlin.

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While the website of EON Srl has been "under construction" for months now, the page of Defkalion offered since the press conference at the end of June a contact address in Athens.<ref>Defkalion Green Technologies S.A., Temporary Head Quarters - Mesogeion Avenue 2-4, Athens Tower, 18th Floor, GR-11527 Athens, Tel: +30 210 7770602, Fax: +30 210 7770608. Email: info@defkalion-energy.com. Domain registrant is one Andreas Meintanis from GR-19200 Elefsina.</ref>, later, in Juli 2011 an Address in Glifada was mentioned.<ref>Defkalion Head Office, Xanthou 3, Glifada, GR-16674 Greece. Tel: +30 210 7770602 - Fax: +30 210 7770608</ref> Furthermore future E-Cats with 5-30 kW are promoted on the website as "products" but no prices are available. A „Defkalion white paper“ was shown which states some details on Rossi-reactors. English observers found numerous mistakes and errors in used units of size (Examples:.. Power consumption: ~~‚‘0,~~5kw/~~hr‘‘~~, ‚‘"Series C Hyperion 20kW product can generate up to 157 Mw in one year of operation"‘‘..). This text disappeared immediately from the website. Defkalion stated the alleged functional principle as:

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While the website of EON Srl has been "under construction" for months now, the page of Defkalion offered since the press conference at the end of June a contact address in Athens.<ref>Defkalion Green Technologies S.A., Temporary Head Quarters - Mesogeion Avenue 2-4, Athens Tower, 18th Floor, GR-11527 Athens, Tel: +30 210 7770602, Fax: +30 210 7770608. Email: info@defkalion-energy.com. Domain registrant is one Andreas Meintanis from GR-19200 Elefsina.</ref>, later, in Juli 2011 an Address in Glifada was mentioned.<ref>Defkalion Head Office, Xanthou 3, Glifada, GR-16674 Greece. Tel: +30 210 7770602 - Fax: +30 210 7770608</ref> Furthermore future E-Cats with 5-30 kW are promoted on the website as "products" but no prices are available. A „Defkalion white paper“ was shown which states some details on Rossi-reactors. English observers found numerous mistakes and errors in used units of size (Examples:.. Power consumption: "0.5kw/hr", ‚"Series C Hyperion 20kW product can generate up to 157 Mw in one year of operation"..). This text disappeared immediately from the website. Defkalion stated the alleged functional principle as:

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:~~‘‘The~~ science behind the Ecat increases the probability of particles overcoming the electrostatic potential Coulom barriers in order to penetrate the nucleus by the quantum mechanical tunneling effect, yielding in an exothermic reaction between Hydrigen and Nickel. By decreasing the surface upon which a given amount of pressure is exerted, the odds for the tunneling effect to occur are increased, allowing für higher penetrability of the Coulomb barrier.‘‘

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:"The science behind the Ecat increases the probability of particles overcoming the electrostatic potential Coulom barriers in order to penetrate the nucleus by the quantum mechanical tunneling effect, yielding in an exothermic reaction between Hydrigen and Nickel. By decreasing the surface upon which a given amount of pressure is exerted, the odds for the tunneling effect to occur are increased, allowing für higher penetrability of the Coulomb barrier.''

it was also declared by Defkalion that by "pressure increase" (apparently based on hydrogen) the output of the reactor could be controlled.

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*Peter Ekström ''Kall fusion åter i hetluften'', fysikaktuellt nr 2, May 2011, page 24. [http://www.fysikersamfundet.se/Fysikaktuellt/2011_2.pdf Full Text (Swedish)]

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==News articles==

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===News articles===

*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)]

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*[http://www.theoildrum.com/node/8140 Ugo Bardi: ''The E-Cat loses steam'', Blog "The Oildrum",27.7.2011]

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==Videos==

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===Videos===

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGI12A3SWJ4&feature=relmfu at Rainews on 5.5.2011 (Italian)]

*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzL3RIlcwbY at Rainews on 5.5.2011 (English)]

Heimdall

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Changes

Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer (view source)

Revision as of 21:52, 4 September 2011

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