The System of Remote Monitoring of Microclimate Parameters of Bee Colonies

Abstract

Accurate and timely measures to preserve the native populations of the wild honey bees need a study on the influence of housing conditions and environmental factors on the quality, productivity and viability of bee colonies. The authors have developed a system for remote monitoring of microclimate parameters of wild bee colonies based on the latest LoRaWAN technology. For studying the monitoring system based on the selected data transmission technology, data collection and transmission devices are implemented in two variants – based on ready-made monoblock devices (Variant 1) and composite devices (Variant 2) based on the Atmega328P microcontroller and photovoltaic power supply system with digital temperature and humidity sensors. Field tests of an experimental remote monitoring system were carried out in actual working conditions without power supply and communication systems. The tests involved 15 monoblock ready-made RAK7204 devices (Variant 1) and nine composite devices (Variant 2) based on the Atmega328P microcontroller. After the tests, Variant 1 was excluded from further use in research due to mass failure. Variant 2 passed the tests and participated in further research. The parameters of the power supply system of measuring devices and gateways are analyzed. The results of year-round monitoring of microclimate parameters of bee colonies were obtained. The study results prove the efficiency of the monitoring system based on LoRaWAN technology with the Atmega328P microcontroller devices and its operation comfort. During the study, it was recorded that the outer air temperature dropped to –36 °C. During the same period, the internal temperature significantly exceeded the air temperature. Besides, the highest temperature in wild hives during the winter months reaches +15 °C and +35.5 °C in the summer months. The temperature difference recorded in winter between the air inside wild hives and outer air reaches Δ30 °С