| abstract |
An efficient biomass fractionating system for an energy pulse crop is provided. Pulses include, e.g., peas, beans, and lentils. A method and ecosystem model applies a premium utilization to each fraction of a pulse crop so that no fraction is treated as waste. The methods may also be applied to other alternative crops, such as chestnut seeds, banana and peel, and taro root. One example method removes a protein fraction first, as a food source, before using the remaining fractions to produce energy products, such as ethanol or methane, increasing the efficiency of the entire fractionating process. The fractionating method enables an ecosystem, in which pulses grow inexpensively on low-grade land or under poor conditions providing a cash crop food, energy, and chemical components. In a farm co-op model, the pulse crop provides sustainability as participants inexpensively produce protein, ethanol, and industrial chemical components. |