Mobile Biomass Harvester with Guidance System

Abstract

A mobile platform comprises a header, a biomass processor, and a guidance system. The header is configured to harvest biomass. The biomass processor is configured to compact the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces. The guidance system is configured to guide the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the mobile platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mobile platform comprising:
 a) a header configured to harvest biomass;   b) a biomass processor configured to compact the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces; and   c) a guidance system configured to guide the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the mobile platform.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the header comprises at least one of the following:
 a) a frame;   b) a cutter bar;   c) a crushing roll;   d) a pickup cylinder;   e) a pickup reel;   f) a conveyer;   g) an auger;   h) a vacuum;   i) a slicer;   j) tines;   k) a rake bar;   l) an impeller; and   m) a pickup device.   
     
     
         3 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass comprises at least one of the following:
 a) grass;   b) weeds;   c) crops;   d) algae;   e) biological material derived from living organisms;   f) biological material derived from recently living organisms; and   g) man-made waste materials.   
     
     
         4 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the multitude of compressed biomass pieces comprise at least one of the following:
 a) a pellet;   b) a briquette; and   c) an extruded biomass piece.   
     
     
         5 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass processor further comprises a shredder to shred the biomass. 
     
     
         6 . The mobile platform of  claim 5 , wherein the shredder is configured to reduce the size of the biomass. 
     
     
         7 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass processor further comprises an extractor to extract moisture from the biomass. 
     
     
         8 . The mobile platform of  claim 7 , wherein the extractor is configured to press biomass with a moisture content greater than 7% of mass. 
     
     
         9 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass processor further comprises a dryer to dry the biomass. 
     
     
         10 . The mobile platform of  claim 9 , wherein the dryer is a rotary dryer. 
     
     
         11 . The mobile platform of  claim 9 , wherein the dryer comprises at least one of the following:
 a) an electric heating element;   b) a syngas burner;   c) a heat exchanger.   
     
     
         12 . The mobile platform of  claim 9 , wherein the dryer comprises an auger. 
     
     
         13 . The mobile platform of  claim 9 , wherein the dryer is configured to move the biomass from a dryer entrance to a dryer exit. 
     
     
         14 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage container to receive compressed biomass pieces from the biomass processor. 
     
     
         15 . The mobile platform of  claim 14 , wherein the storage container comprises at least one of the following:
 a) a container with insulated walls;   b) one or more gas ports;   c) a handle for carrying the heated storage container;   d) a latching mechanism to attach the container to the mobile platform; and   e) a release mechanism to disconnect the container from the mobile platform.   
     
     
         16 . The mobile platform of  claim 14 , wherein the storage container is configured to store excess compressed biomass pieces. 
     
     
         17 . The mobile platform of  claim 14 , wherein the storage container comprises a release mechanism to remove compressed biomass pieces from the mobile platform. 
     
     
         18 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a) an engine configured to generate shaft power; and   b) an electrical generator powered by the shaft power and configured to power at least the guidance system.   
     
     
         19 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery. 
     
     
         20 . The mobile platform of  claim 1 , further comprising a remote-controlled control system.