Genset with supplementary load device

A genset comprising:

• (A) a diesel engine equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment system (ATS);
• (B) an alternator that is powered by the engine and that is configured to generate electrical power for supply to an external load;
• (C) an electric engine coolant heater which is supplied with electrical power from the alternator;
• (D) an engine load sensor;
• and
• (E) a controller that is in communication with the engine load sensor, the engine, the alternator, and the coolant heater, wherein the controller is configured to
• a. determine whether a prevailing engine load is beneath a threshold level below which at least one component of the ATS operates effectively, and, if so,
• b. activate the coolant heater to increase electrical load on the alternator and, thus, increase mechanical load on the engine.

A method comprising:

• (A) operating an IC engine;
• (B) transferring power from the IC engine to an alternator;
• (C) generating electricity via operation of the alternator and supplying electrical power to an external load;
• and
• (D) using an electronic controller:
• (1) monitoring engine load;
• (2) if the monitored engine load is beneath a designated threshold, activating an electrically powered supplemental load device so as to increase electrical load on the alternator and, accordingly, increase mechanical load on the engine, wherein the supplemental load device controls an aspect of engine operation.