Analysis of the thermal conditions in an unheated museum store in a temperate climate. On the thermal interaction of earth and store

A finite element model of an unheated museum store has been developed for simulating the influence of the building envelope, the wall thickness and the thermal interaction with the surrounding ground on indoor temperature of the store.The question of whether to build the store with high thermal mass or with well-insulated walls with no thermal mass is addressed. The influence from excess humidity entering the store through cracks in the building envelope is also discussed. Finally, ways to stabilize the store temperature by improved design, such as additional insulation of the foundation, will be analysed.The simulations are compared with measurements in a museum store in Ribe, Denmark.

► We model the thermal climate in a museum storage building which is unheated. ► A well-insulated building envelope and an un-insulated floor is advantageous. ► Heavy constructions are not recommended. ► Nearly airtight stores can be dehumidified during summer with minimum energy usage.