Multivariate Characterization of Temperature Fluctuations in a Historical Building Using Energy-Efficient IoT...

Area of Science:

• Heritage Conservation Science
• Environmental Monitoring
• Cultural Heritage Preservation

Background:

• Optimal thermic conditions are crucial for artwork preventive conservation.
• Historical buildings like churches often present challenges in maintaining stable indoor environments.
• Assessing risks from punctual environmental changes is vital for protecting cultural heritage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential risks of indoor environmental fluctuations on artworks in historical buildings.
• To implement an energy-efficient wireless sensor network for microclimate monitoring.
• To characterize temperature variations and their implications for art preservation.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of 26 wireless sensor nodes in a baroque church over 7 months.
• Continuous hourly recording of temperature and relative humidity data.
• Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for sensor data characterization and analysis of temperature fluctuations.

Main Results:

• Collected extensive temperature and relative humidity data, revealing small inter-sensor temperature differences.
• Utilized PCA to effectively characterize sensor similarities and dissimilarities.
• Analyzed daily temperature ranges, mean trajectories, weekly patterns, and temporal correlation structures.

Conclusions:

• Developed a framework for efficient temperature characterization in heritage buildings using wireless sensor networks.
• The system provides valuable insights for assessing risks associated with temperature fluctuations.
• This approach supports informed decision-making in the preventive conservation of historical buildings and artworks.