Electrical power generating arrangement having engine throttle and transmission ratio control responsive to load power demand

Claim 1

An electrical power generating arrangement for providing an electrical power output to be connected to electrical mains, said electrical power generating arrangement comprising a reciprocating internal combustion engine and an electrical power generator rotatably driven by rotary drive derived from said engine and applied to said generator through a drive line comprising a continuously variable transmission, the speed of said engine varying as a function of variation in electrical power output from the generator, said generator being driven at a substantially constant speed, control means being provided for varying the gear ratio of said continuously variable transmission, said control means being arranged for controlling opening and closing of a throttle means for regulating supply of fuel to said engine, said control means comprising computer means programmed with an engine map representing a function of variation of engine speed with variation in power output from said generator, said map being for consultation by said control means, when a variation in electrical power from said generator is required, to determine a new engine speed setpoint representing the engine speed at which said engine is run whilst said generator is providing the required output, and said control means being arranged for deriving a new gear ratio for said continuously variable transmission when a said new engine speed setpoint is determined.