The virtual remote office of the present invention includes a programmable processor within a portable housing and a communications connection for transmitting communications between the virtual remote office and an external communications network. According to the inventive method for adjusting the excess air coefficient, said maximum temperature Tmax is determined, whereupon the desired setpoint value \u03bbhy of the excess air coefficient is adjusted and the associated setpoint temperature Tsoll is measured. Moreover, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, electrical power may be collected from said driving means and supplied to said braking means.