RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Comparative study of natural fibres to improve insulation in wooden beehives using sensor networks
A1 Casado Sanz, María Milagrosa
A1 Prado Jimeno, Rubén de
A1 Fuentes Pérez, Juan Francisco
K1 Thermal insulation
K1 Bees
K1 Beekeeping
K1 Natural origin insulators
K1 Digitalisation
K1 3104.01 Apicultura
K1 3312.08 Propiedades de Los Materiales
AB The beekeeping sector is increasingly focused on creating optimal and natural environments for honeybees to reduce dependence on external factors, especially given progressively hotter summers. Improving hive thermal conditions can enhance bee wellbeing and production. While pinewood hives are predominant, some have started using insulating materials like polystyrene. However, many synthetic materials, despite their excellent insulation properties, are incompatible with organic food production, requiring alternative solutions. This study compares the thermal insulation properties of various natural materials, including white and black agglomerated cork, wood fibres, and rock mineral wool. These materials are potentially compatible with organic food production. Additionally, the research evaluates cost-effective sensor networks to monitor bioclimatic variables in real time. Lab tests using a Langstroth-type hive with a controlled heat source were conducted, monitoring temperature and humidity inside and outside the hive. The results revealed that all selected materials provided similar thermal insulation, superior to a hive without insulation. This finding suggests that using natural materials can enhance hive thermal comfort (i.e., the material’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature), thereby improving honeybee wellbeing and productivity in a manner compatible with organic food production.
PB MDPI
SN 2076-3417
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/69512
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/69512
LA eng
NO Applied Sciences, 2024, vol. 14, n. 13, 5760
NO Producción Científica
DS UVaDOC
RD 23-dic-2024