IoT system using Blockchain in the conservation and promotion of Cultural Heritage

Because every work of art deteriorates over time, cultural heritage protection and conservation is a subject of significant relevance. The type of material, the impact of external climatic conditions, and human variables, all play a role in this degradation. In general, works of art should be conserved in controlled and stable climatic scenarios that need to be recorded and monitored. The goal of this study is to offer a system for data security and monitorization of the elements that influence artefact degradation, while still maintaining a pleasant museum climate for visitors. The study was started in the project MUSEION, where the preservation of historical artefacts was ensured by monitoring pollution levels in museums. Humidity, temperature, vibrations, air pollutants (CO, CO2, NO2, SO2), and volatile organic compounds are the key factors analyzed. The suggested IoT system will be a cloud-based solution that would attempt to provide a wide range of features, including individual material analysis (paintings, metals, textiles, etc.). The prototype will include different components: monitoring stations, data acquisition and administration server, visualization, Cloud database, security aspects using Blockchain technology and alerting platform. Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology and can be used to control the management, ownership and shared display of artefacts and to discourage the sale of heritage objects. The integration of the sensors in the Cloud, which can offer real-time data in case of nominal value exceedances, is a significant characteristic of the technical solution. The results of continuous monitoring over a long period of time reveal the main reasons for art object deterioration in museums. Furthermore, with the support of the entire system, instant decisions for artefact conservation can be established. By minimizing the number of events induced by physical and chemical processes that lead to artefact degradation, the research demonstrated the efficiency, reliability, security and scalability of the pilot system.