Method and apparatus for controllable storage of hydrogen

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling hydrogen gas storage in a clathrate hydrate structure through application of an electromagnetic field. The applied field can be used to control release of gas from the clathrate hydrate structure and/or uptake of gas into the clathrate hydrate structure. The electromagnetic field is arranged to promote “hopping” of gas molecules between and out of retaining pockets in the clathrate lattice by stimulating vibrations in the lattice that cause apertures into the retaining pockets to flex open. Advantageously, the electromagnetic field may have properties that are selected to promote an increase in the rate gas release or gas uptake without causing dissociation of the lattice. In this scenario, the invention can provide an energy-efficient, rechargeable on-demand supply system for any gas that can be retained within a clathrate hydrate structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.