A power generation system comprising a LNT for exhaust aftertreatment. The
LNT has an effective operating temperature range. When the LNT is near a
limit of its effective operating temperature range, the transmission is
used to select operating points that increase the LNT's effectiveness.
Generally, these operating points reduce the exhaust flow rate, although
other factors such as the exhaust temperature may also be taken into
account in selecting the operating points. Preferably, the LNT's
effective operating temperature-range includes exhaust temperatures
produced by the engine at its point of peak power output, whereby the LNT
does not approach the limits of its effective operating temperature range
except when the engine is at less than peak power. At lower power levels,
it is generally possible to select operating points that provide lower
exhaust flow rates than the flow rate occurring at the peak power level.