Power Consumption of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) Workstations: Quantification and Comparison of Operational Modes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify the power consumption of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) workstations across common operating modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Power consumption was measured for three PACS workstation setups (two hospital-based, one home-based) across five operating modes, including active, standby, powered-down, and transition states. Measurements were conducted using an external power meter, with three repeated measurements per mode and setting (total N = 45). Static modes were extrapolated from 10-minute intervals; dynamic modes included measured duration. Statistical analysis assessed variability and differences between settings. Departmental consumption was estimated by scaling per-workstation data to 105 units and benchmarked against common household appliances. Conversion ratios and break-even times for transitioning between modes were calculated. RESULTS: Measurement variability was low, with no significant differences between repetitions or inclusion of mammography workstations. At the departmental level, the total consumption reached 24.99 kW in full operation. Even non-active states had considerable power consumption (18.37 kW logged off; 2.41 kW powered down). Mode comparisons showed up to 7.61-fold differences in power consumption. Break-even times were 6.67 minutes (logged-off to active) and 5.86 minutes (powered-down to active), indicating short idle periods justify reduced-power states. CONCLUSION: PACS workstations represent a substantial and likely underrecognized source of power consumption in radiology. Quantitative insights and simple decision tools, such as the conversion factors and break-even times presented in this study, can support more energy-efficient workstation management and reduce the environmental impact of radiology operations.
Source: Cureus
Language: English
Topic: Green IT and Sustainability
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213980993