perpetuum mobile invented? Follow-up: no.

The world’s energy demand could be covered with a single stroke, if low-energy nuclear reactions (LENR) could be evoked. LENR (or cold fusion) would practically be an inexhaustible energy source, without the well-known risks of nuclear fission. The problem: According to present knowledge LENR offend against the generally accepted laws of physics and established theories. Nevertheless there is an Italian inventor (Andrea Rossi) who claims to have invented a machine that can evoke those divine reactions. His patented „Energy Catalyzer“ allegedly transforms nickel into copper by infusing heated hydrogen. In fact Rossi has already found investors in the US and Europe. It seems that his device really works: The engineer Domenico Fioravanti tested the prototype for an undisclosed customer and reported that the plant released about 2,5 kW during five hours of self sustained mode. If Rossi has actually single-handedly found out the recipe for cold fusion, he would have secured his place in the history books. But caution is called for – how many scholars and pseudo-scientists have claimed to have squared the circle before?
Nevertheless, Rossi has graduated with a thesis on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. And we remember how heavily Einstein was underestimated in his early career …
Follow-up: Until now [October 2, 2015] nothing has been severely proved or disproved. However there are indications that the device is an imposture. More at Wikipedia: http://bit.ly/energycat