[Vwdiesel] Genset RPM and Diesels

[Val Christian]

Failing inverter systems, which are probably expensive in the 5 to 20 kW
region, does anyone have knowledge of variable shieve (spelling?) pulley
systems, like I've seen on snowmobiles?  With such a transmission, one
could run the engine at the RPM needed for the current (temporal) power
requirement, using the transmission to normalize the generator (altenator)
RPMs.  My recollection is that the variable speed transmissions like used
on snowmobiles are much more efficient than hydraulic and other common
variable speed systems.  

Even better yet would be a flywheel/governer system controlling the 
approximate speed, and then a servo system for fine speed tuneing.
Something a handy person with a machine shop and some electronics
experience might whip up. 

The next order improvement would be to capitalize on the varying 
torque available out of a VWdiesel engine to increase efficiency 
and long life further.

Ideas anyone?

Val