Control of Indoor climate of Historical cult buildings

Riga Technical university, Institute of Heat, Gas and Water technology, Kipsalas street 6A, Riga, Latvia, LV-1048

^* Martins Metals e-mail: metaals@latnet.lv

Abstract

There are 320 historical cult buildings as cultural monuments of national significance in Latvia. Cultural and historical art monuments and artifacts (paintings, organs, chairs, altars, pulpits) must be preserved and protected in these cultural buildings. Specific indoor climate is necessary to maintain in historical cult buildings to pass on to future generations, but those specific requirements often are complete opposite of the actual microclimate and what the user wants.

Indoor climate measurements have been carried out in five brick wall and two wooden churches with and without heating systems. Potential condensation risks are determined using calculations. Typical air flow has been formed using building’s termography measurements. Heating systems and making use of buildings influence historical buildings and this has been determined. The main aim of the article is to determine potential indoor climate type of control in historical cult buildings avoiding humidification and dehumidification, and it is similar in the coastal climate of the Baltic Sea.

Results show that: great humidity fluctuations have been observed in buildings which have been used during winter, outdoor air has a great impact to buildings, less humidity fluctuations have been observed in buildings with controlled heating systems.