A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions

Energy rehabilitation of heritage buildings used as museums presents unique challenges, as it must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with achieving comfortable indoor conditions for visitors and staff. These objectives often conflict, requiring innovative approaches. We propose a methodo...

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Main Authors: Camila Gea-Salim, Silvana Flores-Larsen, Marcos Hongn, Silvina Gonzalez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Heritage
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/7/12/333
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author Camila Gea-Salim
Silvana Flores-Larsen
Marcos Hongn
Silvina Gonzalez
author_facet Camila Gea-Salim
Silvana Flores-Larsen
Marcos Hongn
Silvina Gonzalez
author_sort Camila Gea-Salim
collection DOAJ
description Energy rehabilitation of heritage buildings used as museums presents unique challenges, as it must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with achieving comfortable indoor conditions for visitors and staff. These objectives often conflict, requiring innovative approaches. We propose a methodology that uses dynamical simulation with EnergyPlus and multi-objective optimization with jEPlus + EA software to reduce energy consumption and maximize comfort while maintaining architectural integrity and conservation conditions evaluated by a quantitative analysis based on the European Standards. The framework also includes monitoring microclimate conditions and assessing the risk levels of the exposed collections. A case study in Salta City, Argentina—a historical building repurposed as a museum—illustrates this approach. Results show improved energy performance and comfort conditions for visitors, with an annual energy requirement of about 36% of the original requirement (16.4 kWh/m<sup>2</sup> versus 45 kWh/m<sup>2</sup>) and a decrease of about 32% in the discomfort hours (from 5362 h to 3643 h). Additionally, conservation conditions improved, achieving a more stable microclimate for air temperature and relative humidity. The framework proved useful for evaluating retrofit solutions that enhance the building’s energy performance and comfort without compromising the conservation conditions of the exhibited collections.
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spelling doaj-art-1caa4010be8d4f4c9fdf4131b0b9462e2024-12-27T14:28:49ZengMDPI AGHeritage2571-94082024-12-017127210723510.3390/heritage7120333A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation ConditionsCamila Gea-Salim0Silvana Flores-Larsen1Marcos Hongn2Silvina Gonzalez3Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional (INENCO, UNSa-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, ArgentinaInstituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional (INENCO, UNSa-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, ArgentinaInstituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional (INENCO, UNSa-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, ArgentinaInstituto de Investigaciones en Energía No Convencional (INENCO, UNSa-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Avenida Bolivia 5150, Salta 4400, ArgentinaEnergy rehabilitation of heritage buildings used as museums presents unique challenges, as it must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with achieving comfortable indoor conditions for visitors and staff. These objectives often conflict, requiring innovative approaches. We propose a methodology that uses dynamical simulation with EnergyPlus and multi-objective optimization with jEPlus + EA software to reduce energy consumption and maximize comfort while maintaining architectural integrity and conservation conditions evaluated by a quantitative analysis based on the European Standards. The framework also includes monitoring microclimate conditions and assessing the risk levels of the exposed collections. A case study in Salta City, Argentina—a historical building repurposed as a museum—illustrates this approach. Results show improved energy performance and comfort conditions for visitors, with an annual energy requirement of about 36% of the original requirement (16.4 kWh/m<sup>2</sup> versus 45 kWh/m<sup>2</sup>) and a decrease of about 32% in the discomfort hours (from 5362 h to 3643 h). Additionally, conservation conditions improved, achieving a more stable microclimate for air temperature and relative humidity. The framework proved useful for evaluating retrofit solutions that enhance the building’s energy performance and comfort without compromising the conservation conditions of the exhibited collections.https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/7/12/333dynamic energy simulationmicroclimate monitoringmulti-objective optimizationgenetic algorithmsenergy rehabilitationhistoric buildings
spellingShingle Camila Gea-Salim
Silvana Flores-Larsen
Marcos Hongn
Silvina Gonzalez
A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
Heritage
dynamic energy simulation
microclimate monitoring
multi-objective optimization
genetic algorithms
energy rehabilitation
historic buildings
title A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
title_full A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
title_fullStr A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
title_full_unstemmed A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
title_short A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization in Energy Retrofit of Heritage Museums: Enhancing Preservation, Comfort, and Conservation Conditions
title_sort framework for multi objective optimization in energy retrofit of heritage museums enhancing preservation comfort and conservation conditions
topic dynamic energy simulation
microclimate monitoring
multi-objective optimization
genetic algorithms
energy rehabilitation
historic buildings
url https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/7/12/333
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