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Medical Imaging Equipment

By September 27, 2017December 26th, 2021Briefs

What is it?

Medical imaging equipment is a broad category which includes several types of imaging machinery. The machines include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), X-Ray, and ultrasound. Each machine works by utilizing high energy radiation to project images, usually in short bursts.

How does it work?

Energy efficient medical equipment is not necessarily based on obtaining images more efficiently (for example, kWh per image). Current improvements in medical imaging equipment are derived from the machines capability to operate in different energy consuming modes and the customer operating the machines in each of these modes. According to the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), equipment modes can include OFF, IDLE, Ready to SCAN, and SCAN. Energy savings occur during OFF and IDLE modes relative to operating in Ready to Scan modes.

What are the most appropriate applications?

The best applications are hospitals and medical facilities large enough to have medical imaging equipment in house. Since energy savings are due from placing the equipment in low power use modes, facilities that have very high equipment utilization (>50%) would not see significant benefits compared average utilization (<30%) equipment.

What are the savings?

Switching a machine into and out of low power consumption modes can save between 16,000 kWh and 28,000 kWh per year for an MRI machine. Savings are around $2,000 per year on electricity costs per machine.

What is the cost?

Costs vary widely for each type of equipment. For example, MRI machines can cost less than $150,000 or more than $3,000,000. Incremental cost will best be determined on a case by case basis and include installation, electrical, or remodeling costs.

What is the status/availability of the technology?

Medical imaging equipment is available, but specific features should be discussed with vendors.

What kinds of incentives/programs are available?

This equipment would typically be evaluated under Custom Rebate programs. Incentives will vary depending on customer specifics, but replacing a single unit would likely qualify for custom incentives.

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