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[[image:Rossi_Focardi.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (picture "La Repubblica")|thumb]]

[[image:Rossi_Focardi.jpg|Andrea Rossi and Sergio Focardi (picture "La Repubblica")|thumb]]

The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'' or just ''Rossi energy catalyzer'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor based on an assumed [[Cold Fusion]] technology. Italian company EON&nbsp;srl plans to bring it to market in 2011. While allegedly using no more than several hundred Watts in electrical heating energy, it is said to emit a heat output capacity of more than 10&nbsp;kW. According to Italian inventors, Professor emeritus in physics Sergio Focardi and alleged engineer(see below) Andrea Rossi<ref>Rossi: ''I am a doctor in the Philosophy of Science and Engineering from the Universita’ Degli Studi Di Milano''</ref>, cold fusion <ref>Andrea Rossi in his patent application, Page 12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref> of hydrogen and nickel was taking place in the reactor, leading to the formation of copper. As a side-effect of the reaction, ionizing radiation is said to be emitted, which was disproved by independent parties.<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> So far, attempts to replicate the experiment independently failed. The latest public presentation took place in mid-January 2011.

The '''Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer''' (also ''E-Cat'' or ''Rossi Energy Amplifier'' or just ''Rossi energy catalyzer'') is an alleged compact fusion reactor based on an assumed [[Cold Fusion]] technology which is planned to be brought to market in 2011. While allegedly using no more than several hundred Watts in electrical heating energy, it is said to emit a heat output capacity of more than 10&nbsp;kW. After reaching operating temperature the electrical heating is said to be turned off. According to Italian inventors, alleged engineer(see below) Andrea Rossi<ref>Rossi: ''I am a doctor in the Philosophy of Science and Engineering from the Universita’ Degli Studi Di Milano''</ref>, cold fusion <ref>Andrea Rossi and Professor emeritus in physics Sergio Focardi in their patent application, Page 12: ''the reaction actually provides a true nuclear cold fusion.''</ref> of hydrogen and nickel was taking place in the reactor, leading to the formation of copper. As a side-effect of the reaction, ionizing radiation is said to be emitted, which was disproved by independent parties.<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> So far, attempts to replicate the experiment independently failed. The latest public presentation took place in mid-January 2011. A Greek business newspaper announced in March 2011 that the concept is central to a speculative investment-deal of several hundred million Euro.

The actual inventor of the principle was Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli in 1989 who filed a patent application on it in 2010.<ref>WO 2010058288 A1: METHOD FOR PRODUCING ENERGY AND APPARATUS THEREFOR. 2010-05-27. Erfinder: PIANTELLI SILVIA; PIANTELLI FRANCESCO</ref> Rossi, who also attempts to have his invention patented, does not acknowledge that:

The actual inventor of the principle was Italian biophysicist Francesco Piantelli in 1989 who filed a patent application on it in 2010.<ref>WO 2010058288 A1: METHOD FOR PRODUCING ENERGY AND APPARATUS THEREFOR. 2010-05-27. Erfinder: PIANTELLI SILVIA; PIANTELLI FRANCESCO</ref> Rossi, who also attempts to have his invention patented, does not acknowledge that:

The process - disclosed only in part, although a patent application was filed (not approved as of yet) - involves that nickel and hydrogen are transformed to copper in the presence of hydrogen gas and on emission of heat and ionized radiation. The patent application claims  the stable nickel isotope 62Ni28 (which makes about 3.6% of usual nickel) reacted with hydrogen and was transformed into the stable copper isotope 62Cu29. The copper thus generated is said to contain two stable copper isotopes, with an isotope proportion different from the one in natural copper.<ref>According to S.&nbsp;Focardi in an E-Mail: ''[...] mostra l'esistenza di Cu (non presente inizialmente) i cui due isotopi stabili sono in un rapporto diverso da quello naturale [...]''</ref> Such a fusion would require very high temperatures and should result in a strong gamma radiation from the destruction of positrons and electrons.<ref>According to Prof. Jonghwa Chang, Chief Research Advisor of the "Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute", answer to an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>  

The process - disclosed only in part, although a patent application was filed (not approved as of yet) - involves that nickel and hydrogen are transformed to copper in the presence of hydrogen gas and on emission of heat and ionized radiation. The patent application claims  the stable nickel isotope 62Ni28 (which makes about 3.6% of usual nickel) reacted with hydrogen and was transformed into the stable copper isotope 62Cu29. The copper thus generated is said to contain two stable copper isotopes, with an isotope proportion different from the one in natural copper.<ref>According to S.&nbsp;Focardi in an E-Mail: ''[...] mostra l'esistenza di Cu (non presente inizialmente) i cui due isotopi stabili sono in un rapporto diverso da quello naturale [...]''</ref> Such a fusion would require very high temperatures and should result in a strong gamma radiation from the destruction of positrons and electrons.<ref>According to Prof. Jonghwa Chang, Chief Research Advisor of the "Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute", answer to an inquiry by an Italian chemist. see: [http://www.queryonline.it/2011/01/31/il-ritorno-della-fusione-fredda-2/]</ref>  

While initially using nickel rods, recent experiments used nickel powder (particle size is said to be in the nm-range, the patent application mentions 10 µm). Rossi mentions "Gerli Metalli" company<ref>Powder nickel: Gerli Metalli--Milan</ref> from Milan as their supplier. Further unknown catalysts even not specified in the patent application are said to be employed. Internet rumours not verifiable claim this may be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raney_nickel "Raney-Nickel"], since two fires in Rossi's laboratories were caused by "Raney-Nickel". Nickel oxide - which reacts with hydrogen creating water and heat (NiO2&nbsp;+&nbsp;H2 -->&nbsp;Ni&nbsp;+&nbsp;H20) – allegedly was not used.

While initially using nickel rods, recent experiments used nickel powder (particle size is said to be in the nm-range, the patent application mentions 10 µm). Rossi mentions "Gerli Metalli" company<ref>Powder nickel: Gerli Metalli--Milan</ref> from Milan as their supplier. Further unknown catalysts even not specified in the patent application are said to be employed. Internet rumours not verifiable claim this may be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raney_nickel "Raney-Nickel"], since two fires in Rossi's laboratories were caused by "Raney-Nickel". Nickel oxide - which reacts with hydrogen creating water and heat (NiO2&nbsp;+&nbsp;H2 -->&nbsp;Ni&nbsp;+&nbsp;H20) – allegedly was not used. According to the patent application a inner water circuit(with a boric acid solution) is designed to be in the reactor and heat is transfered using a heat exchanger to an external water circuit.

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

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

Inventors claim the "fusion" mentioned also generated weak gamma and neutron radiation.<ref>Battaglia, L. Daddi, S. Focardi, V. Gabbani, V. Montalbano, F. Piantelli, P.G. Sona, S. Veronesi. "''Neutron emission in Ni-H Systems''". Nuovo Cimento 112A, pp. 921, 1999.</ref> Radiation is said to be β+ corpuscular radiation with positrons (known from potassium&nbsp;40-decay). They also claim they do not know the exact functional principle. A contribution in their blog speculatively connects the Focardi Rossi Energy Amplifier to the [[hydrino]] theorie of American physician and electrical engineer Randell Mills who claims to work with hydrogen and nickel, too.<ref>[http://www.journal-of-nuclear-physics.com/?p=338 E. Stremmenos: Hydrogen/Nickel cold fusion probable mechanism. Journal of nuclear physics, 12.12.2010]</ref> Supporters of "cold fusion" theories often claim so-called [[Low Energy Nuclear Reactions]] (LENR) were taking place. The term LENR is not known to professional journals and such fusion processes were not proven as of yet.

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

 

 

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

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

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

[[image:Kensington_university.jpg|Reimbursement offer of [[diploma mill]] "Kensington University Inc." to its customers|left|thumb]]

[[image:Kensington_university.jpg|Reimbursement offer of [[diploma mill]] "Kensington University Inc." to its customers|left|thumb]]

The "Rossi Energy Amplifier" is not the first invention made by Andrea Rossi. During the 1970ies and 1980ies, he tried to produce hydrocarbons from waste to no avail. This resulted in several law suits and criminal cases with prison sentences against the "Sheik of Brianza" (''Sceicco della Brianza'', sheik because he claimed to produce oil from industrial waste; Brianza is a region north of Milan). The law suits were also known as "Petroldragon affair", since Rossi's company was called "Petroldragon". Rossi was convicted because he did not dispose of large amounts of toxic wastes in accordance with regulations, and for trafficking waste materials. Rossi, however, perceived this as a repression of his allegedly ecological conversion technology. He was also accused of fiscal offences. He migrated to USA afterwards. Currently, investments (EON&nbsp;srl) are operated by his wife Maddalena Pascucci.

The "Rossi Energy Amplifier" is not the first invention made by Andrea Rossi. During the 1970ies and 1980ies, he tried to produce hydrocarbons from waste to no avail. This resulted in several law suits and criminal cases with prison sentences against the "Sheik of Brianza" (''Sceicco della Brianza'', sheik because he claimed to produce oil from industrial waste; Brianza is a region north of Milan). The law suits were also known as "Petroldragon affair", since Rossi's company was called "Petroldragon". Rossi was convicted because he did not dispose of large amounts of toxic wastes in accordance with regulations, and for trafficking waste materials. Rossi, however, perceived this as a repression of his allegedly ecological conversion technology. He was also accused of fiscal offences and illegal gold trading. He migrated to USA afterwards. Currently, investments (EON&nbsp;srl) are operated by his wife Maddalena Pascucci.

In a curriculum vitae presenting his occupational history available on his website<ref>http://ingandrearossi.com/gli-inizi/</ref> (see picture on the right dated March 4, 2011), Rossi specifies he graduated in philosophy at the University of Milan and mentions a second "Laurea" title (common term for a final degree at an Italian University with an obligatory doctorate) in "Ingegneria Chimica" (chemical engineering) at a Californian "Kensington University Inc.". This company was officially registered in Hawaii, but operated from Glendale in California<ref>Kensington University, 520&nbsp;E Broadway Suite&nbsp;400, Glendale, CA&nbsp;91205 </ref> and was a wellknown [[diploma mill]] until it was shut down on court orders.<ref>Artikel aus der "LA-Times": ''Kensington University Faces Closure Hearing''. April 23, 1996 | JOHN CHANDLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER.<br>Kensington University has no classrooms, laboratories or dorms. Its students don't play football, join fraternities or linger dreamily on a quadrangle. In fact, the entire campus is housed in a small Glendale office building. Recruiting from across the nation, the school runs a program in which students studying entirely at home can earn anything from a bachelor's degree to a doctorate--all without ever attending a single class or even meeting their instructors face to face.</ref><ref>http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unaccredited_institutions_of_higher_education</ref> The company was sentenced to restitute all former customers (see picture to the left) after it had been reported by a consumer protection organisation.<ref>http://hawaii.gov/dcca/ocp/udgi/lawsuits/kensington/kensington_u_dj.pdf</ref>

In a curriculum vitae presenting his occupational history available on his website<ref>http://ingandrearossi.com/gli-inizi/</ref> (see picture on the right dated March 4, 2011), Rossi specifies he graduated in philosophy at the University of Milan and mentions a second "Laurea" title (common term for a final degree at an Italian University with an obligatory doctorate) in "Ingegneria Chimica" (chemical engineering) at a Californian "Kensington University Inc.". This company was officially registered in Hawaii, but operated from Glendale in California<ref>Kensington University, 520&nbsp;E Broadway Suite&nbsp;400, Glendale, CA&nbsp;91205 </ref> and was a wellknown [[diploma mill]] until it was shut down on court orders.<ref>Artikel aus der "LA-Times": ''Kensington University Faces Closure Hearing''. April 23, 1996 | JOHN CHANDLER, TIMES STAFF WRITER.<br>Kensington University has no classrooms, laboratories or dorms. Its students don't play football, join fraternities or linger dreamily on a quadrangle. In fact, the entire campus is housed in a small Glendale office building. Recruiting from across the nation, the school runs a program in which students studying entirely at home can earn anything from a bachelor's degree to a doctorate--all without ever attending a single class or even meeting their instructors face to face.</ref><ref>http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unaccredited_institutions_of_higher_education</ref> The company was sentenced to restitute all former customers (see picture to the left) after it had been reported by a consumer protection organisation.<ref>http://hawaii.gov/dcca/ocp/udgi/lawsuits/kensington/kensington_u_dj.pdf</ref>

==EON&nbsp;srl, Leonardo Corporation and Defkalion Green Technologies==

==EON&nbsp;srl, Leonardo Corporation and Defkalion Green Technologies==

The company EON&nbsp;srl (apparently owned by Rossi), often mentioned in connection with the subject, is registered both in Bondeno<ref>Eon&nbsp;S.r.l., V.&nbsp;C.ragazzi&nbsp;18, I-44012&nbsp;Bondeno</ref> and in Rome<ref>EON&nbsp;Srl, Via Ottaviano&nbsp;66, Roma</ref>. At the location of Bodeno, an "E-cat" device is said to have provided heating for premises virtually for free. Rossi also claims he is also producing hot water in his home with an E-cat.

The company EON&nbsp;srl (apparently owned by Rossi), often mentioned in connection with the subject, is registered both in Bondeno<ref>Eon&nbsp;S.r.l., V.&nbsp;C.ragazzi&nbsp;18, I-44012&nbsp;Bondeno</ref> and in Rome<ref>EON&nbsp;Srl, Via Ottaviano&nbsp;66, Roma</ref>. At the location of Bodeno, an "E-cat" device is said to have provided heating for premises virtually for free. Rossi also claims he is also producing hot water in his home with an E-cat. For both claims no independent evidence exists.

In the course of 2011, inventors and undisclosed non-Italian investors plan to offer ready-made reactors for industrial application. There is an official permission dating from 2006 which enables Italian EON srl to operate a small power plant, fuelled by biodiesel, of an electric power of up to 1 megawatt in the town of Bondero. Inventors claim they currently also work at a small power plant which combines 120 interconnected energy-amplifier reactors of the same electric power of 1,000 kws either in Greece or in the USA which is supposed to be finished by October 2011. Its manufacturer is a Greek company by the name of „Defkalion Green Technologies S.A.“.

In the course of 2011, inventors and undisclosed non-Italian investors plan to offer ready-made reactors for industrial application. There is an official permission dating from 2006 which enables Italian EON srl to operate a small power plant, fuelled by biodiesel, of an electric power of up to 1 megawatt in the town of Bondero. Inventors claim they currently also work at a small power plant which combines 120 interconnected energy-amplifier reactors of the same electric power of 1,000 kws either in Greece or in the USA which is supposed to be finished by October 2011. Its manufacturer is a Greek company by the name of „Defkalion Green Technologies S.A.“.

There is a ''Leonardo Corporation''<ref>Leonardo Corporation, 116 South River Road, Bedford, N.H. 03110 - USA. Webseite: http://leonardocorp1996.com</ref> located in Bedford, New Hampshire, allegedly Rossi's employer. Their e-mail address is identical with the one of EON&nbsp;srl in Italy. This company and Greek Defkalion are supposed to build the future "reactors". Currently, Leonardo Corporation offers electric generators fueled by biodiesel (with turbo chargers and intercooling). The company claims a high degree of efficiency due to its patented "EON" technology which was able to recover incurred thermal losses.

There is a ''Leonardo Corporation''<ref>Leonardo Corporation, 116 South River Road, Bedford, N.H. 03110 - USA. Webseite: http://leonardocorp1996.com</ref> located in Bedford, New Hampshire, allegedly Rossi's employer. Their e-mail address is identical with the one of EON&nbsp;srl in Italy. This company and Greek Defkalion are supposed to build the future "reactors". Currently, Leonardo Corporation offers electric generators fueled by biodiesel (with turbo chargers and intercooling). The company claims a high degree of efficiency due to its patented "EON" technology which was able to recover incurred thermal losses.

There is a small company in Athens named "Defkalion Energy" resp. "Defkalion Green Technologies S.A."<ref>http://www.defkalion-energy.com/</ref>, owned by one Symeon Tsalikoglou, which according to Rossi will produce the energy catalysators. While the website of EON&nbsp;srl has been "under construction" for months now, the page of Defkalion meanwhile offers 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</ref> Domain registrant is Andreas Meintanis from GR-19200 Elefsina.

There is a small company in Athens named "Defkalion Energy" resp. "Defkalion Green Technologies S.A."<ref>http://www.defkalion-energy.com/</ref>, owned by several investors (Spokesman: Symeon Tsalikoglou), which according to Rossi will produce some of the energy catalysators. While the website of EON&nbsp;srl has been "under construction" for months now, the page of Defkalion meanwhile offers 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</ref> Domain registrant is Andreas Meintanis from GR-19200 Elefsina.

While Leonardo Corp. will cover business in USA, it is apparently planned to pass sales rights for the rest of the world, but at least for Europe, to Defkalion. According to the Greek newspaper "Investors World" an old factory in Xanthi has already been bought for testing of the 1MW plant with energy catalyzers of Rossi. The same source claims a collaboration with a "Prof. Christos Stremmenos" and that Defkalion is a 200 million investment. Half of it will go as royalties to the inventor.<ref name="talefta" /><ref name="scan" /><ref name="Investors World Article" />According to Rossi, production of E-cat will commence even if the patent finally will not be granted. He was also prepared to continue production if competitors had seen through his invention by reverse engineering.<ref>Information obtained from chat at Nyeteknik dd. March 12, 2011</ref>

While Rossi's "Leonardo Corp." will cover business in USA, it is apparently planned to pass sales rights for the rest of the world, but at least for Europe, to Defkalion. According to the Greek newspaper "Investors World" an old factory in Xanthi has already been bought for testing of the 1MW plant with energy catalyzers of Rossi. The same source claims a collaboration with a "Prof. Christos Stremmenos" and that Defkalion is a 200 million investment. Half of it will go as royalties to the inventor.<ref name="talefta" /><ref name="scan" /><ref name="Investors World Article" />According to Rossi, production of E-cat will commence even if the patent finally will not be granted. He was also prepared to continue production if competitors see through his invention by reverse engineering.<ref>Information obtained from chat at Nyeteknik dd. March 12, 2011</ref>

==Funding and Cooperation with Bologna University==

==Funding and Cooperation with Bologna University==