Kentucky State University

A Preliminary Study on 3D Temperature Simulation and Visualization for Beehives

Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

Major

Computer Science

2nd Grade Level at Time of Presentation

Senior

2nd Student Major

Computer Science

Institution 23-24

Kentucky State University

KY House District #

57

KY Senate District #

20

Department

Agriculture

Abstract

Honey bee colonies often die in winter, in northern temperate regions such as Kentucky. These losses are expensive for beekeepers, who must replace them in the following spring. Furthermore, the causes of colony loss are difficult to determine because the dead bees decompose, leaving no evidence of the cause of death. We developed a system that monitors temperatures in a cluster of bees without disturbing the bees. A healthy cluster of honey bees maintains a temperature of 30o-32o C (85o-90o F) through the winter. If a cluster temperature drops below that range, we know that those bees are unlikely to survive until spring. We then collect those bees so that we can determine their maladies. These maladies may be parasitic mites, diseases, pesticide residues, the lack of a queen bee, or insufficient stored honey. These data will assist beekeepers on the best practices to prepare bee colonies for winter.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 

A Preliminary Study on 3D Temperature Simulation and Visualization for Beehives

Honey bee colonies often die in winter, in northern temperate regions such as Kentucky. These losses are expensive for beekeepers, who must replace them in the following spring. Furthermore, the causes of colony loss are difficult to determine because the dead bees decompose, leaving no evidence of the cause of death. We developed a system that monitors temperatures in a cluster of bees without disturbing the bees. A healthy cluster of honey bees maintains a temperature of 30o-32o C (85o-90o F) through the winter. If a cluster temperature drops below that range, we know that those bees are unlikely to survive until spring. We then collect those bees so that we can determine their maladies. These maladies may be parasitic mites, diseases, pesticide residues, the lack of a queen bee, or insufficient stored honey. These data will assist beekeepers on the best practices to prepare bee colonies for winter.