Natural gas engine start and load system

A system comprising:

• an engine connectable to a working load, wherein the working load varies over time between a first load and an operational load greater than the first load;
• a motor connected to the engine;
• a variable frequency drive connected to the motor;
• and
• a system controller connected to the variable frequency drive, wherein the system controller is programmed to command the variable frequency drive to change a selected mode of the motor according to an operational state of the engine, wherein the selected mode comprises one of:
• an electrical generation mode comprising the motor operating as a generation load on the engine when the working load falls to an intermediate load below the operational load, wherein the generation load combined with the intermediate load comprises about the operational load,
• a standby mode comprising the motor operating as a standby load on the engine when the working load about equals the operational load, and
• a drive mode comprising the motor applying mechanical power to the engine.