What is the e-cat invented by Andrea Rossi

The E-cat invented by Andrea Rossi is a device that is used to assist in the production of energy through Nickel Hydrogen fusion. The device allows the energy from this reaction to be harnessed as heating power (steam) and used later. The process of creating this reaction in the hopes of creating a low level of energy to harness for later is referred to as LENR, or Low Energy Nuclear Reaction. A simple resistor applies heat to hydrogen which is then absorbed by the nickel, and consequently transforms it into copper in the process. The results of experiments by Rossi and his scientific consultant Sergio Focardi seem to have made the greatest advances in the ongoing study of cold fusion, a science that has been ultimately debunked since its discovery in 1989.

While Rossi and his consultants prefer to use the term LENR to refer to their work, the relation to the cold fusion experiments of the late eighties and early nineties are undeniable. Many underground and non-mainstream science communities have continued to study cold fusion despite its almost unanimous rejection by mainstream science ever since shortly after it was discovered.

Andrea Rossi at this point may have come the closest to actually popularizing the practice that any scientist has ever come. With many demonstrations of the E-cat in public and private venues, the E-cat has consistently performed well, but some remain skeptical that what is occurring is actually a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical one, which could massively affect the marketability of such a device.
Rossi is a man of Italian descent, and working on his research in Italy he has acquired the Italian patent for his device. He is currently in the process of developing an international patent. Previously he had a U.S. based company, Ampenergo, as well as a Greek company, Defkalion green technologies, working on the production and marketing of his E-cat device. However, his own Italian based company has agreed to sever its contract with Defkalion. Shortly after doing so, Rossi addressed his actions further stating that no production secrets were shared with them and that no information shared with Defkalion was of a crucial nature so as to give away any scientific secrets of his. While he has not completely explained his motivations for discontinuing business with them, Defkalion has attempted to explain his decision.
In a statement released by Defkalion after their contract had been terminated, they expressed their desire to remain in Rossi’s confidence despite what they considered to be mounting pressures from across the globe to discontinue research. They stated that it was a result of these mounting pressures that Rossi decided to stop his contract with them. Because of the “revolutionary” nature of the device, world powers were attempting to either discredit the legitimacy of it, or force him to cease production on it in order to better control their stake in the energy market. Allegedly, this is what he based his decision on, although he still continues business with Ampenergo for now, and no statement has been released regarding his current relationship with the American business.
Some competition may be heading Mr. Rossi’s way though with the introduction of a new company set to research precisely the same type of LENR reaction that Rossi has been focused on his entire career. The name of the man that started this company is Francesco Piantelli, though it his sprung up so recently that little is still known about the man or his research.

Despite how revolutionary the invention is claimed to be by Rossi and his associates who have a vested interest in his success, other scientists have been mixed on the results of the reactions. While the public demonstrations he had done have all resulted in a noticeable production of energy, many scientists are still unsure whether the source of this energy is truly from a nuclear reaction or whether it comes from a basic chemical reaction between the elements involved. Whether or not it is proven to be a chemical reaction is extremely important to the future of Rossi’s E-cat, but no matter what the discoveries, Rossi’s recent success in drumming up interest in cold fusion techniques proves that despite its dubious nature amongst scientists, it is still obviously a field that is worth studying.

ecatrossi.com - 12 April 2012