Polystyrene in the insulation of a passive beehive, benefits, disadvantages, applications
Author of solution (idea): Ondřej Hercog
Tested in practice: NE – will be tested in the 2021 season
Test results: For now, the measurements are under model conditions, but the results are promising.
The group of breeders for whom the aid is suitableunrestricted
Justification effort to improve the thermal insulation properties of the hive in order to reduce the rate of temperature changes in the hive depending on the ambient temperature
Note: The solution is one of the variants for improving the thermal comfort of a bumblebee hive, which the Bumblebee PLUS group is testing.
Last updated: 02/12/2022
Thermal insulation of bee nests (bumblebee boxes) - an introduction to the topic
Here we will focus on improving thermal insulation. Thanks to this solution, we have achieved very good results.
You can find out more about this issue. HERE
Modification of a bumblebee nest (bumblebee box) to improve its thermal insulation properties
For tests, we are a big fright, with 30 mm gap between walls. Its properties were very good, but The weight increased significantly.
That's why We've suggested a simpler solution that we're testing.
As part of our modifications, we were looking for an alternative that could be DIY. If the functionality of this solution is confirmed, it presents an opportunity and inspiration for DIY enthusiasts to modify commercially available hives or to produce new models.
As a basis for adjustment we used classic cube-shaped ulcer model with a side of 30cm. You know such recesses from our pages. We have designed a modification so that it can be lined with a 30 mm polystyrene board on the outside.
This in itself is nothing complicated. We were looking for a solution that would provide edge protection in places where damage might occur. You can see how we managed it in the photo documentation.
Amended We measured startle in different situations. and it was confirmed that There has been a significant reduction in the rate of temperature change Air in the hive. So far, it is confirmed that the material coated with thermal insulation works better in this case too, than insulation inside the hive. In addition, the insulation needs to be changed there after the season.
Situations were measured where a heated hive was placed outdoors when temperatures were close to zero. Likewise, we measured the rate of temperature change in the hive after it was moved from the cold into the warmth – see the graphs above.
From the measurements, therefore It seems the edits have met the desired goal and then improve the thermal properties of a classic passive hive.
Now we want startle test during the season, to confirm the result.
The bumblebees will decide on the success., They have the final say. If they do well during the trial, we will confirm the changes as functional and recommend them to others.
Summary of amendments
Default state
We've updated a few years old Classic scare:
- Dimensions: a cube with a side of 30 cm
- Material glued wood
- Wall thickness 25.4 mm (1 inch)
We dismantled all the components from the hive and also removed the seal. We left the original attached to the walls additional insulation made of Mirelon foil.
Shock (bumblebee nest) of classic construction
A cube with a side of 30 cm
Homemade
Photo O, Duke (5/2020)
Modifications to the hive structure
The following is a brief description of the edits. We recommend going through the photo documentation.. We do not provide all dimensions, as they correspond to the specific workpiece that we modified.
Top side
- The ulcer corpus has been supplemented with top side o collar.
- This part created the top side of the space for inserting 30 mm thick polystyrene. The part simultaneously serves as an extension of the sealing surface.
Note
– it is worth choosing a height of 33-35 mm, because the thickness of the Mirelon foil must also be taken into account in addition to the thickness of the polystyrene board. - Mirelon was removed in the contact area and a new edge tacked down
- The part was secured with screws to the sides of the hive body, the contact surfaces glued with wood glue
- The top surface has been planed. do Rovinjy.
- Edges The edges have been ground to a small radius.
Underside
- Similarly, it was glued and screwed to the underside part, which defined the underside of the space for insulation
- This part allowed the insertion of an insulating board made of ulcer bases.
- Can be attached to the bottom part feet, or construction for fasteningon the stand.
Ventilation
- A wooden part was screwed to the side of the housing at the ventilation opening Ventilation outlet settings opening. Board thickness 32-35mm.
- In this section, after covering the ulcer, Mirelon insulation film is stapled.
Entrance aperture
- Similarly to the vent, it was set opening for the entrance hall. Board thickness 32-35mm so that the layer of mirelon under the polystyrene is also level
- This part will be screwed on after the modifications are completed Protective flap and above it too Protection canopy For example, if you use canopy according to our instructions).
- Warning – without this part, there would be nowhere to attach the flap and the cover!
We recommend
- grind inserted parts flush
- we also recommend Smooth the edges of the inserted parts so they do not damage the insulation film
Ulcer corpus modification – an overview
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Ulcer corpus modification – an overview
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Corpus edit - lower part detail
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Ulna corpus modification – upper part detail
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Insulation installation
- The boards were cut from a 30mm polystyrene sheet and then inserted into the structure – and Boky My pod I don't know ulcer.
- If you work precisely, the boards will hold themselves in the designated space during assembly.
- The inequalities and overlaps were ground to a plane with a sanding canvas (belt sander)
- Connections were re-taped sticky tape
- Vertical edges they were pasted for reinforcement adhesive tape
Correction of the housing corpus – Polystyrene inserted into the construction
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Polystyrene insert in the ulnar corpus structure – view from underneath
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Modification of the ulk body - d9l for attaching the protective flap and awning
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Modification of the ulk body - d9l for attaching the protective flap and awning
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Cladding the structure with insulating foil
- The result was wrapped in insulating film Mirelon
- The sheet was networked on a wooden structure
- Excess parts of the foil were cut off.
- Where there is a wooden structure, the foil was attached wooden strips, and pressed down well and its edges protected.
- Raw almondsThe joints have been ground to a flat and radius finish.
Recommendation
- We recommend rebating the underside of the frame as well, this will better protect the frame when it is laid down.
Ulcer modification – ulcer covered with film and fitted with strips
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Ulcer dressing – ulcer covered with film and fitted with strips – underside
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Protective netting
- If you are using (we recommend) please adjust protective netting. It is necessary increase her collar so as to use the entire new seating surface
- Please note: the modified netting is not included in the photographic documentation.
- If possible, make it out of plywood insert, which on in spring you will use as a place for the protective netting. This will improve the thermal insulation of the hive.
Collar seal
- A new wide gasket (fan gasket) was fitted to the gasket surface of the housing, see Our tips.
Ventilation
- Ventilation was installed and sealed from HT pipes.
Protective flap and canopy
- A flap was attached and a canopy above it (for now, only for testing, without an internal corridor).
Startled after edits
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021)
Startle after modifications – detail of the lid (will be used in the spring instead of the protective netting)
Photo O. Hercog
Roof
- Following the modifications, there was Ulcer plan enlargement, in this case from 30 x 30 cm to 36.5 x 36.5 cm
- Therefore the fright was provided with a new roof.
- The construction was used according to the procedure specified HERE.
- Inside dimension was enlarged in both directions by 10 mm so that an absorbent cloth can be inserted under the roof.
- The height has been adjusted so that it is under the roof 50mm polystyrene insulation and the roof edges overhung the flashing.
- Instead of rafters, the roof structure used XPS Extruded Polystyrene. It is firm, light, smooth, and can be cut.
- Removable insert It was made of 50 mm polystyrene.
- Polystyrene with the exception of the insert was in the construction glued with polystyrene adhesive.
- Sealing was glued to the surface where the roof rests on the body.
Careful
- removable insert in the roof serves to cool the contents of the hive, therefore it needs to be removable
- Protective netting in the corner, it prevents bumblebees from chewing through the seal and polystyrene, which is why we highly recommend it
Ulcer treatment - ulcer covered with film with a new roof
Photo O. Hercog (2/2021
Ulceration treatment – new roof with liner
Photo O. Hercog (1/2021)
Ulcer treatment – new roof with removed liner
Photo O. Hercog
Ulcer preparation
Further preparation of the ulk for the season is standard, see our procedures
Measuring results
Temperature measurement kit
Photo: O. Hercog 2021
As evidence of the behaviour of various ulcers, we present internal temperature fluctuations in different ulcers. The graph and measurements will be described here, and here only. demonstration of the influence of external temperature on hives and differences in internal temperature changes.
You can see for yourselves, how the internal temperature changes over time and even at a static external temperature. The less the temperature in the hive fluctuates, the better.. Therefore it is necessary to pay attention to the thermal insulation of the hive, than heating, which in practice is only used for a few days a year.
Figure 1 shows how the temperature rises in ulcers depending on the ambient temperature.
Description and evaluation of results:
- Green colour at the top – outdoor temperature
- Place hives with varying thermal insulation quality.
- You can clearly see how big the differences are between the individual constructions.
- Quickest The temperature is changing in a small corner (green curve)
- Slowly in a larger corner
- the temperature changes almost as quickly in a commercially available hive as in a hive with 20mm polystyrene internal insulation
- The slowest changes are represented by this modifieda fright (grey and light blue colour)
Figure 2 demonstrates the course of ulcer cooling depending on the external temperature
Description and evaluation of results:
- The description corresponds to Graph 1
- A small fright did not participate in this measurement
- A well-insulated beehive will cool down the slowest.
- The large shock, without insulation, equalised its internal temperature with the surroundings.
- Igloos without thermal insulation cool down very quickly.
- The modification proposed here has proven effective, the temperature change is the slowest (grey and light blue colour)
Figure 2 – Change in ulcer temperature depending on ambient temperature – temperature decrease
O. Hercog measured 2021
Conclusion
In practice, we have shown that it is possible to produce a scare that with By applying the „Passivhaus“ principle, it gains good thermal insulation properties
If it causes fright sufficient mass construction, coated on the outside with good thermal insulation, will its internal temperature change more slowly depending on the ambient temperature, compared to combs without thermal insulation, or with insulation within the mass.
This principle applies on both cold and hot days.