Gas hydrate storage reservoir, with one or more movable cover elements that selectively allows sunlight to pass through to the top for regassification of hydrates

摘要

A gas hydrate storage reservoir (10) includes at least one insulated wall (12) defining an opening and a sunlight permeable top (16) covering the opening. A gas tight, gas hydrate storage cavity (20) is defined within the top and the wall(s). A cover element (30) is provided to cover at least a portion of the top to prevent sunlight from passing through that portion of the top. The gas storage reservoir also includes devices (24, 26) for removing gas and water from the storage cavity. In use, when gas is desired by the user, the cover element (30) is removed from at least a portion of the sunlight permeable top (16) so that sunlight will pass through the top (16) and into the storage reservoir (20).