Patent ID: 8606451

Claim:
An energy system for heavy equipment having an actuator for operating a tool, the energy system comprising: a bus for providing electricity to the actuator as a function of operation of the tool; an engine for providing a power output; a generator coupled to the engine and configured to provide electricity to the bus; an energy storage device configured to receive electricity from the bus for storage of energy, and further configured to provide electricity to the bus to supplement the electricity provided by the generator; and a controller configured to change the power output of the engine as a function of electrical demand on the bus, wherein, in response to a change in the electrical demand, the controller is configured to change the power output of the engine at a rate that is less than a maximum capability of the engine, and wherein the controller is configured to optimize the rate of change in power output of the engine with respect to fuel economy, minimal wear, reduced emissions, or a combination thereof.