Increasing of WWER-440 fuel cycle length up to 18 months

Conversion of the WWER-440 reactor in 18 months fuel cycle with the aim of power utilization factor increase is proposed. Main characteristics of the design refueling models, fuel campaign with 20% fuel element refueling in a year, 4 years fuel cycle and two versions of fuel cycles with enlarged power production between refuelings and different number of control rods are compared. The choice of optimal fueling with increased power capacity is carried out. Techniques are proposed for modifications of reactor and power equipment maintenance schedule which ensure 18 months cycle operation. 2 refs.; 2 figs.; 5 tabs