The main differences between NuScale small modular reactors (SMRs) and conventional nuclear reactors lie in size, safety features, flexibility, construction, and operational characteristics.

Size and Power Output:

• NuScale SMRs produce about 77 megawatts per module, with the ability to combine multiple modules for larger power outputs (e.g., up to 924 MWe with 12 modules). Conventional reactors are much larger, commonly producing around 1,000 MWe or more per unit [1][2].

Safety and Cooling:

• NuScale reactors use passive safety features with natural convection to circulate coolant, eliminating the need for pumps and emergency electricity, allowing them to safely shut down and cool without operator intervention or power. Conventional reactors rely more heavily on active safety systems and external power for cooling [1][2].
• NuScale modules sit in a large water pool for passive cooling and enhanced safety, though this increases concrete requirements [1].

Flexibility and Grid Independence:

• NuScale SMRs can operate independently of the electricity grid and can restart themselves after grid outages, enabling them to run microgrids and support critical loads for extended periods. Conventional reactors usually must shut down if the grid goes down and depend on the grid to restart [3].
• NuScale modules can adjust their power output to complement renewables, while conventional large reactors mainly provide baseload power with limited operational flexibility [2][3].

Construction and Deployment:

• NuScale SMRs are factory-fabricated modules that can reduce construction time and cost, assembled onsite for scalable deployment. Conventional reactors require large, complex onsite construction with longer timelines [2][1].

Fuel and Design:

• Both use similar low-enriched uranium fuel, but NuScale SMR technology is considered relatively conventional in fuel and coolant choice compared to some other advanced reactors using exotic coolants [1].

In summary, NuScale reactors are smaller, modular, factory-built, and have passive safety systems with grid-independent operation options, aiming for flexibility and safety improvements. Conventional reactors are larger, more complex onsite-built, rely on active safety systems, and primarily produce large baseload power [1][3][2].

Sources [1] Deal to build pint-size nuclear reactors canceled | Science | AAAS https://www.science.org/content/article/deal-build-pint-size-nuclear-reactors-canceled [2] Traditional Nuclear Reactors vs. NuScale SMR https://interactive.nuscalepower.com/traditional-nuclear-reactors-vs-nuscale-smr/p/1 [3] The NuScale SMR: Now Nuclear Goes 'Off the Grid' https://www.nei.org/news/2018/nuscale-smr-now-nuclear-goes-off-grid

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