by Luxford, N., Batool, T., Thickett, D. and Lankester, P.
ABSTRACT
Limoges enamels are temperature sensitive with increased risk of damage at high temperatures. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring has shown the AE energy increases with large diurnal increases in temperature. During previous heatwaves at Ranger’s House, pieces of glass from the objects’ decorative surfaces have de-tached. To prevent damage, chillers are used in the display room. Environmental data analysis considered the performance of the chillers by assessing maximum temperatures and diurnal temperature fluctuations. The results demonstrate the chillers have successfully reduced the maximum temperatures observed in the room, as well as the largest diurnal fluctuations. The chillers have decreased the risk of damage to the collections from high temperatures and handling, by avoiding decanting the collections if high temperatures were ex-pected. However, reducing the temperature increases the RH levels in the room affecting everything in the space, and using active control requires additional energy use. With a 2°C global temperature increase, hot summer days (max daily temperature above 30°C) are predicted to double in frequency at Ranger’s House, making summer cooling more desirable for both visitors and temperature sensitive collections. The approach taken to providing local cooling, along with the limitations of the historic space will be discussed. Alternative options will be highlighted, with a view to improving the sustainability of the control method.
