An assessment of claims of 'excess heat' in 'cold fusion' calorimetry

Claims of 'excess heat' from measurements of the heat of electrolysis at several watts of power are largely based on use of poorly characterized, isoperibol, heat-conduction calorimeters with single-point temperature sensors. This paper describes construction, testing, and calibration of a calorimeter of similar design. Heat-conduction calorimeters with single-point temperature sensing and inadequate mixing are subject to large systematic errors resulting from non-uniform heat distribution within the system. Confirmation of electric-heater calibration by a chemical reaction with a well-known enthalpy change is a minimum requirement to insure accuracy. Improper or incomplete calibration is a probable cause for many claims of 'excess heat' in 'cold fusion' experiments. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.