Optimizing Energy Efficiency in MRI Scanners: A Workflow Analysis for Enhanced Sustainability

Motivation: Power consumption in MRI scanners varies across different operational modes, but detailed power usage patterns remain unexplored and leave room for new efficiency gains. Goal(s): Assess the impact of optimized magnet cooling on idle power consumption and gain insights into sequence-level power demands. Approach: Four MRI scanners were equipped with power meters to observe energy use and compare between standard idle and Eco Power Mode over time periods of 33 to 115 days. Results: Optimized magnet cooling reduced idle power from 10.5±1.9 kW to 6.3±0.9 kW, saving approximately 48.7 MWh of the in total consumed 483.0 MWh per year. Impact: This study provides new insights into MRI power use and on a per-sequence and protocol level. Initial findings of optimized magnet cooling and workflow optimization shows substantial potential to reduce idle power consumption in MRI operations, enhancing sustainability.