IoT systems for efficient preservation of cultural heritage

Abstract

The protection of cultural heritage remains a particular priority, as works of art are subject to inevitable degradation over time. This deterioration is influenced by the composition of the material, external environmental factors and human intervention. This study introduces an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) system designed to monitor and mitigate the complex causes of artefact degradation, while simultaneously ensuring a conducive museum environment for visitors. The proposed cloud-based solution offers a diverse range of functionalities tailored to the different materials found in museums, such as paintings, metals and textiles. By integrating cloud-based sensors, the system provides real-time data, facilitating rapid responses to variations from optimal conditions. By monitoring key factors such as temperature, humidity, vibration, air 
pollutants (CO2, NO2, SO2, O3) and volatile organic compounds, this approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the main causes of degradation of art objects. This work builds on the MUSEION project, which aims to develop an integrated IoT-based platform for sustainable management of environmental control and climate change adaptation of museum exhibits. The results obtained in this research highlight both the scalability, reliability and efficiency of the prototype system in reducing events related to chemical and physical processes contributing to artefact degradation, as well as the real-time assessment of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) indices. By proposing an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) based solution for detailed monitoring of cultural heritage, the study makes a significant contribution to the field. The importance of the research is underlined by the thorough investigation and the results obtained, highlighting its potential to improve conservation practices in museum environments, thus providing a comprehensive approach to sustainable museum management and cultural heritage conservation.