Patent attributes
An apparatus includes a fuel burning actuator operable to burn fuel to drive generator means to generate charge to recharge an energy storage means. The apparatus is operable to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of motoring means comprising an electric machine, the fuel burning actuator being operable to pump gas when motored. Brake means comprising a second electric machine is operable to generate charge in a regenerative braking operation in order to recharge the energy storage device. The apparatus is operable automatically to motor the fuel burning actuator by means of the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is not burning fuel responsive to at least one operating parameter associated with the energy storage means, the apparatus being operable automatically to restrict by means of restrictor means an amount of gas pumped by the fuel burning actuator thereby to increase an amount of work done by the motoring means when the fuel burning actuator is motored.
