Clathrate Hydrate Modular Storage, Applications and Utilization Processes

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to clathrate hydrate modular storage, applications and utilization processes. In one implementation, the present invention provides a method of creating scalable, easily deployable storage of natural gas and thermal energy by assembling an array of interconnecting, modular gas clathrate hydrate storage units.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A clathrate hydrate formation and disassociation module, comprising
 a container;   a heat exchanger for heating or cooling substances in the container;   one or more ports for injecting or withdrawing a hydrate forming substance;   one or more ports for injecting or withdrawing an aqueous solution;   a control system for managing and monitoring of clathrate hydrate formation and disassociation processes within the container; and   one or more structural rack system elements ( 53 ) attached to the container enabling interconnection of the module with at least a second clathrate hydrate formation and disassociation module, or an inter-modal carrier system.