Cell-level temperature and hive state monitoring for a remote smart beehive system
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Date
2018
Authors
Beynon, Valerie E.
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Abstract
The designs of a temperature sensing and control board and a cell content detection board for use in a remote smart beehive system are presented. These boards will help beekeepers optimize their beehive management and better understand the environmental factors and stresses affecting the honey bee population. Simulations and experimental testing of a prototype cell-level temperature sensing and control board found it capable of heating local areas hot enough to kill Varroa mites. The designed interdigitated capacitance sensor board for monitoring the cell contents in different hive frame regions was found to be capable of determining if the cells are at least 30% or 60% full. The capacitance was found to be inversely related to the sugar concentration of the ripening nectar and therefore should be monitored over time. An in-hive field test found the capacitance sensor boards were able to record data and withstand the hive environment for over a month.
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Keywords
Embedded systems, Sensor networks, Interdigitated capacitor, Remote beehive monitoring, Honey bees