A Novel Combined Ethanol and Power Model of Microgrid Driven by Sweet Sorghum Stalks Using ASSF

In this study, we proposed a novel combined ethanol and power (CEP) model of microgrid driven by sweet sorghum ethanol using advanced solid-state fermentation (ASSF), during which a great deal of solid vinasse will be generated. In the model, a 10,000-tonne scale ethanol plant with a 2.5 MW biopower plant driving by ASSF technology can support ∼4,000 households of remote area for one-year regular electricity use, denoting that economically viable ethanol production is able to provide a steady biomass supply for combined heat and power generation. Accordingly, the novel CEP microgrid model exhibits much more robust and stable traits compared with conventional microgrids.