From: David Roberson
… As you point out, a real COP of 1.1 above chemical effects is as valid as one of 2.5 provided it can be easily proven to exist. That proof is where the problem lies… It will be much better if and when Jack finds a method of raising the COP of his system and before that we should stand by. Of course, everyone wants to see higher COP, and rock solid proof - but if there is real gain at all, over and above the oxidation of aluminum and other reactants, based on the mass and redox chemistry which is available- then there is likely to be no obvious upper limit on how far incremental advances can take us. There is only so much a lone experimenter can do. I think there is a better than 50/50 probability that there is real thermal gain here, above the known chemistry of the reactants. There is a strong case that SPP and f/H are the main culprits for gain, since recent improvements were based on optimizing those parameters. IMO, the last thing that anyone who is committed to the field should do is to “stand by” at least if and when they find an opportunity. The field is too important and success is to close, to merely let someone else take all the risks. Lest you take this the wrong way, Dave, I realize that you personally are already involved and have provided lots of valuable analysis. Everyone has an area of expertise, but as many competent “hand-on” experimenters as possible are needed to pursue small variations on what looks to be a replicatable and simplified theme. There is a risk of wasting one’s time, of course. But that is no different from trying to replicate Rossi, Parkhomov or anyone who claims higher COP, but who may be untrustworthy at such a basic level that their claims are shaky. I am impressed with Cole’s candor and the fact he wants to find errors in his technique, if there are any. And with this simpler design, there are so many obvious ways to improve COP that it is only a matter of time and money, rather a systemic limitation. For instance, Cole uses very little nickel (Vale 255). That is an obvious way to go – add more nickel. He needs a larger power supply. He could be 200 degrees too low. There is a need to try AC and pulsed input. Another obvious way to go is to use AlanG’s compression fittings on a longer tube, so that sealing is not an issue - and so that pressurized H2 or D2 from a tank can be used. There are dozens of ways to proceed now, with time and money being the major drawbacks. But the one safety hazard that could ruin everything (insofar as incremental advance goes) is for some undergrad to blow off his hands, or worse, trying to mix up a compound with LAH. The stuff can be deadly on simple exposure to water. Hopefully, we now have a way around that, thanks to Jack Cole. Jones
