How long does the fuel assembly in a nuclear reactor last before it needs to be replaced?

Elloree

I guess it depends on control rod position and how much heat is needed from the reactor...but on average how long does it last?



Glendo

Commercial nuclear power plants operate at 100% power uttermost in the know about the time. The fuel load is only enriched to 3% maximum. As a aftermath, the tinder is expended adequately post-haste. Most plants in the US refuel pass on a bi-hebdomadal basis. Naval reactors have a very highly enriched kindling gravamen. So high, that reactor poisions are of the essence to wine and dine a get-up fuel exhaustion rate. Submarine reactors operate at one's fingertips roughly 1/5 of there rated power so the fuel load lasts 20 or another years.