Case Study: Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties achieves better artifact preservation and energy savings with Hexagon Cradle CFD

CFD assists in hygrothermal control for preservation of cultural artifacts and contributes to overall energy savings

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties faced the challenge of preserving priceless artifacts by controlling temperature and humidity within display cases and storage halls. Their aging facilities and the high cost of rebuilding, combined with the need for energy efficiency, required a precise method to evaluate environmental improvements without risking the artifacts. They utilized Hexagon's Cradle CFD software for thermal fluid analysis to model these complex hygrothermal conditions.

By implementing Hexagon's scSTREAM CFD solution, the Institute successfully simulated airflow and climate control for a large museum showcase and a coastal temple hall. The analysis confirmed that a fan would effectively minimize damaging temperature gradients in the showcase, a finding validated by physical measurements. For the temple, simulations identified optimal vent placements to reduce humidity. This use of Hexagon's technology provided a low-risk, cost-effective method for designing preservation environments, leading to improved artifact protection and significant energy savings.

Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

Masahide Inuzuka

Senior Researcher