Humidity Control in Historic Buildings in Denmark |
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| Authors: | Poul Klenz Larsen |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Environmental Archaeology and Materials Science, The National Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmarkpoul.klenz.larsen@natmus.dk |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTHistoric buildings in Denmark have a high relative humidity (RH) all year, so the interiors are exposed to biological degradation. The acceptable range for RH is 60–70%, which is higher than the usual recommendations for museums and galleries. There are two options for humidity control: conservation heating or mechanical dehumidification. Calculation of the energy performance of a generic building was used to determine which method is the most efficient. Studies of a cottage in Liselund Park, and of two medieval churches in Hellerup and Vemb have confirmed these predictions: dehumidification is less energy consuming than conservation heating in buildings with poor thermal insulation and a moderate air infiltration rate (AER?<?0.6?h?1). Dehumidification is suitable for historic buildings, where heating is not needed for human comfort. A condensing dehumidifier uses less than half the energy per kg water compared to an absorption dehumidifier. But it does not work at temperatures below 2°C. The combination of a condensing dehumidifier and a little heating to prevent frost is the most energy efficient solution for humidity control. These results are only valid in mild and humid climatic conditions similar to Denmark. |
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| Keywords: | Dehumidification heat pump humidity control historic building air exchange rate U-value |
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