Energy efficiency in hospitals and laboratories

Panel: 6. Innovations in buildings and appliances

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Anders Hjorth Jensen, Danish Energy Saving Trust, Denmark
Peter Maagøe Petersen, Viegand & Maagøe ApS, Denmark

Abstract

Hospitals are significant energy consumers and most hospitals have therefore been traditionally good at carrying out projects to improve energy efficiency. However, experiences have shown that improving the energy efficiency of high tech medical equipment faces a number of obstacles even though this equipment represents up to 40% of the electricity consumed and has very high standby consumption.

This paper describes the current situation based on measuring and analysing the energy consumption by high tech medical equipment; and how these experiences have been used in laying the groundwork for "good housekeeping" campaigns as well as the procurement of new x-ray and scanner systems.

The paper investigates the energy consumption by laboratory equipment and other large-scale devices (CT-scanners, cyclotrons, MR scanners). Standby consumption in particular was addressed and the opportunities to turn-off equipment outside working hours have been investigated. A technically detailed audit of selected equipment (x-ray and scanner systems) was performed in order to prepare technical specifications for improved energy efficiency for use when purchasing new equipment.

The results show that standby energy consumption represents 70-90% of the total energy consumption by high tech medical equipment. Significant savings can therefore be achieved for certain equipment by introducing simple, “good housekeeping” operating procedures. For technical reasons on/off-operation is not possible for all equipment,, but significant energy saving opportunities have been identified by improving the related utility and power supply systems. Based on these experiences, new procurement guidelines and advice have been elaborated and tested with positive results.