SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Sept. 28, 2004) – The Everson Museum of Art has turned to the NASA-funded Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP) for technical assistance to address a puzzling condensation issue.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect I. M. Pei, the museum features works of American artists from the 18th century to the present. About four years ago, the museum’s building committee initiated work on the structure’s roof and skylights. “Condensation would form on interior surfaces due to seasonal changes in indoor humidity and outside temperature, so we began to address these conditions,” said Facility Manager Bill Waelder. The committee hired local firm Bell & Spina, P.C. Architects – Planners to work on the project. “We concluded that in order to complete the project properly, a dynamic analysis of the thermal movement within the structure was first necessary,” said Partner Dennis Spina.

After hearing of SATOP from the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Spina submitted a Request for Technical Assistance (RTA) on the museum’s behalf.
SATOP-New York Director Beth Bornick reviewed the RTA and contacted Dr. Peter Plumley, Director of the Outreach Center at Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. Plumley then assigned the project to Associate Professor Jensen Zhang, Director of the Energy and Indoor Environmental Systems Program.

According to Zhang, the complexity of the heat, air and moisture transport in the building shell, the variation of construction details, and variation of the outdoor weather presented a challenge in estimating when and where the moisture condensation might occur.

“We needed to find out what indoor humidity could be maintained without causing condensation on interior surfaces under various outdoor conditions,” said Zhang. “The next question was how the building shell assembly might be modified to gain better control of the indoor humidity to prevent condensation.”

Using a complex hydrothermal performance simulation model, Zhang created a report explaining how to set the indoor humidity according to the outdoor temperature. The report found that a vapor barrier could be added to avoid condensation in cold winter conditions.

“The study produced several significant conclusions that we can now use as criteria for new designs. Additionally, it will be a valuable reference during any future repairs or modifications,” said Waelder. “From a financial standpoint, this form of assistance is extremely helpful to a non-profit. Our limited resources would not have allowed funding for a study of this nature and complexity.” SATOP’s Bornick agrees. “Often, small businesses and non-profits are not aware of how accessible these resources can be, and SATOP helps make the connection,” she noted. “The Energy and Indoor Environmental Systems Program at SU was a perfect match for the Everson Museum of Art.”

Plumley also feels that projects like this are extremely beneficial. “Sometimes our students become far too involved in the world of simulations,” he said. “Aside from strengthening community connections, working on these projects with SATOP provides real world experience.”