If the rate of fuel consumption is unknown, what formula should be used to calculate fuel requirements?

The appropriate formula for calculating fuel requirements when the fuel consumption rate is not known is based on the typical consumption rate related to the load being served. In this context, using "1 gallon per hour for every 10 kW of load" reflects a common estimate for the fuel efficiency of many electrical power production systems.

This ratio effectively provides a stable basis for estimating how much fuel is needed based on the load. Fuel consumption generally increases with higher loads, and this specific formula has been found to apply to a variety of systems under standard operating conditions. Utilizing this ratio allows engineers and operators to quickly assess fuel needs without needing comprehensive data on fuel efficiency, making it practical for planning and operational purposes.

Choosing other ratios does not align as closely with typical industry standards, and they would likely result in either overestimating or underestimating fuel needs based on the existing load requirements. Thus, the choice of 1 gallon per hour for every 10 kW of load serves to provide a reliable estimate for fuel requirements in power generation scenarios.