Frequently Asked Questions
EnergiCell™ - Revolutionising Clean Energy Production
How does the EnergiCell™ work?
EnergiCell™, our ground breaking catalysed fusion technology, features a catalysed fusion EnergiCell that efficiently releases thermal and/or electrical energy directly from the fusion of hydrogen nuclei from water, without any harmful emissions. This process results in a plasma oscillation that generates electrical energy.
To delve deeper into the science behind our innovation, we invite you to explore George Egely’s comprehensive papers titled ‘Faces of LENR’. Read more.
Who is George Egely?
George Egely is a distinguished research engineer with a four-decade track record in nuclear engineering and specifically in catalytic low-energy nuclear fusion (LENR). Since establishing his own company in 1993, George has spearheaded pioneering innovative solutions within the field of LENR. His collaborative efforts with various organisations have significantly advanced the research & development in green, renewable, cost-effective, and safe heat and electrical energy production.
What is the EnergiCell™ useful for?
The EnergiCell™ is a versatile energy source, capable of producing thermal and/or electrical energy to power homes, businesses, machinery and charge batteries, including those used in electric cars.
What is the size of the EnergiCell™?
In its simplest form, the EnergiCell™ is portable. However, EnergiCells can be manufactured in various sizes, using readily available materials and components, catering to both individual and industrial needs. ENG8 has EnergiCell’s operating from 5 watts to 50 kilowatts.
How do you measure the input and output energy of the EnergiCell™?
Depending on the type of EnergiCell™ being used, we use the mass flow of the working fluids and temperature differential, and we employ a calibrated calorimeter to accurately measure the temperatures to determine input and output energy.
For EnergiCells producing electricity we use calibrated calorimeters to accurately measure input and output energy due to high frequency and amplitude of the electricity.
What are key features of EnergiCell™s?
- Peak power density of the catalysed fusion reaction is in the order of MW/mm2.
- Estimated sustained power output for an EnergiCell™ range so far is from 5 watts to 50 kilowatts.
- The power-to-weight ratio for an EnergiCell™ can reach up to 10 KW/kg.
- The estimated manufacturing cost for an EnergiCell™ powered power pack or power generator is anticipated to be under 1,000 €/kW.
- The estimated operating cost would be similar to a diesel generator, less the fuel cost.
What does the EnergiCell™ mean for the future of energy production?
The EnergiCell™ signifies a decentralised, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solution with the potential to revolutionise energy production for humanity. This means the EnergiCell can provide ‘standalone’ energy for a wide range of uses including: commercial premises and manufacturing facilities; large and small domestic homes; retail premises and shopping malls. As we develop the range of EnergiCell products they will be deployed in power generation, industrial, marine, automotive and airline applications.
How long can the device run before refuelling and maintenance?
The EnergiCell™ operational duration is primarily limited by electrode life, rather like a spark plug in an internal combustion engine in a car. All units will be regularly serviced by qualified and professional engineers. The aim is to have annual servicing and maintenance incorporated into the energy sales contract.
How safe is the EnergiCell™?
Very safe as it uses water as the primary source of fuel and is emission free so it will make a significant contribution to supporting the Net Zero targets for the world. Electromagnetic emissions measured by IEP.pt are less than 5% of those allowed in the EU.
If an EnergiCell is a nuclear device is there any concern that it might be used for criminal or terrorist activities?
The EnergiCell is not a conventional nuclear device. It does not emit ionising radiation or neutrons. It does not use any radioactive fuels, only water and/or hydrogen. EnergiCells do not produce or use any radioactive materials.
How much time does ENG8 need to bring a working device to the market?
ENG8 is commencing commercial energy sales in 2024.
What will be ENG8’s commercial model for the EnergiCell?
For the first few years the company will produce its own power plants and sell energy as the licencing model gains traction. Then manufacturers of their own products will be incentivised to incorporate EnergiCells into their own products and will be paid a commission by ENG8 as ENG8 sells energy to the products users. EnergiCell powered product (cars, generators, etc) customers will be charged a very competitive rate for energy they consume.
Are there any peer reviewed publications on this?
No, because we are a commercial company and wish to keep our internal know how as confidential as possible until mass deployment.
Why are there so few scientists shown on the website and IM?
They are not shown for their own safety and the company’s.
What are the different types of EnergiCells presented that meet different energy requirements?
Solid State EnergiCell™
Within a sealed chamber filled with hydrogen gas, two electrodes are connected to an oscillating high-voltage power supply. This setup initiates electric discharges between the electrodes, resulting in catalysed fusion reactions that produce high peaks of voltage and current which are feedback from the EnergiCells. These energy peaks can be harnessed as electrical energy to power various devices.
Key Features:
- Input: Electric energy, minimal hydrogen (which can be produced from device’s own energy)
- Output: Electric and thermal energy
- Q factor / Coefficient of Performance (CoP): Approximately 5
Gas EnergiCell™
These EnergiCells offer a versatile and efficient solution for fuel transformation. These closed-loop systems enable the conversion of Hydrogen into Helium releasing thermal and electrical energy. Inside the EnergiCell chamber, high-voltage electrodes generate the plasma required for the catalysed fusion reaction
Key Features:
- Input: Various gases
- Output: Heat and electricity
- Waste: None
- Q factor / Coefficient of Performance (CoP): Approximately 5
Water EnergiCell™
The Water EnergiCell™ provides energy generated through the utilization of water and plasma technology. Housed within a robust steel pressure vessel, this EnergiCell employs high voltage and high current to create plasma within water. This process generates microbubbles in the water, which release an over unity of energy due to the catalysed fusion and fission reaction contained within them. The resulting steam can be used to power turbines or steam engines, while the electromagnetic fields the process may generate generated can be harvested as electrical energy.
Key Features:
- Input: Water, electric power
- Output: Heat (steam), electromagnetic radiation (if optimized for such)
- Waste: None
- Coefficient of Performance (CoP): approximately 5
What is the MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure)?
It is understandable that potential investors are interested in the MTBF of our technology.
Our current development phase is focused on basic research and the design of our technology. We are endeavoring to develop robust prototypes that will allow us to conduct performance and reliability tests. Once we have improved prototypes, we need to conduct extensive testing to determine the reliability and MTBF of our technology.
So far, from the studies that have been carried out, we can only extrapolate that a pair of electrodes can be in used for months before they need to be replaced. A FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) will be created in parallel with product development. Such has to be maintained after the products are on the market.
So far, from the studies that have been carried out, we can only extrapolate that a pair of electrodes can be in used for months before they need to be replaced. A FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) will be created in parallel with product development. Such has to be maintained after the products are on the market.
What challenges that can arise in product development?
Challenges are complex and multidisciplinary, requiring a concerted effort from scientists, engineers, business leaders, and policymakers. Here is how we see it today (in no particular order):
Scaling Up: Demonstrating catalaysed fusion on a small, controlled scale is a significant step and we have done that from 5 watts to 50 kilowatts (a 10,000 scaling factor) which covers over 50% of global energy demand. Scaling into the megawatts (a 10-100 times scaling factor) involves more engineering for pulse generators, heat management, material durability, and efficiency.
Since we have decided to operate several EnergiCells in parallel (which should be no problem given their size), the problem of scalability is significantly reduced.
Regulatory Approval: Any new energy technology will face scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Ensuring safety, waste management, and environmental impact will be critical. Even we know that this should be no issue for our systems, we need to prove it to the authorities which has already been started by independent emission tests by a national accredited testing agency.
However, as we move towards a commercial product, we will take advantage of the fact that we can operate our equipment under an R&D regime until we have a fully functional product. This gives us time to prepare for the official aspects.
Material Durability: The main component of the EnergiCell power system that would have a limited lifetime is the electrodes. These represent less than 0.01% of the system cost and would be changed in a similar way to a cars spark plug.
Control Systems: We may need precise control systems that can respond in real time to the dynamic conditions inside the EnergiCells. We believe this is easily achievable and we are working on it to improve system efficiency
Energy Capture and Conversion: Designing systems to efficiently capture and convert the electrical energy produced by the different EnergiCells into usable electricity is a key electrical engineering task for 2024.
Public Perception: Public acceptance is critical for widespread adoption. So we need to prove that our EnergiCell systems are safe and will remain safe in the long term. We carry out independent validations with recognised health and safety agencies and publish such work.
Integration with Current Grid: The technology must be compatible with existing electrical grid systems and potentially require new infrastructure for energy distribution. However, we could use similar systems such as MPPT inverters (as used for solar).
Continuous Operation: Ensuring that the EnergiCells can operate continuously and reliably over long periods without significant downtime for maintenance or refuelling is a key part of the engineering for 2024 onwards as we transition from R&D to commercial energy sales.
Intellectual Property: With three patent families filed ENG8 will now focus on patent prosecution in major markets whilst continuing to file patents for key new features we discover. ENG8 will deploy its own power plants until its patent field is secured worldwide in the next two years.
So far, from the studies that have been carried out, we can only extrapolate that a pair of electrodes can be in used for months before they need to be replaced. A FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) will be created in parallel with product development. Such has to be maintained after the products are on the market.
Further information:
Media enquiries – Jane Maher janem@350ppm.co.uk
Investor enquiries – Alexander Ellison alexe@350ppm.co.uk