Issues and problems with measuring the temperature in the hive

Abstract

Currently developed setups for measurement of the parameters of the inside of the hive are based on Internet network, which allows simple data acquisition from the distributed measurement points. Those setups does not focus on measurement methodology and commonly utilize temperature sensors hanging inside bee space inside the hive or sensors boxes placed on frames. This results with disruption inside the nest and does influence bees behavior. Acquired data are not reliable, because the measured phenomena was significantly influenced by measurement process. There are weak links to experts knowledge, which connects measurement results with the cause of the phenomenon, which is required to diagnose state of the bee colony and thus facilitate beekeepers work. To fulfill that demand in Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements PIAP measurements system of hive temperature was developed. Described system will increase efficiency of beekeepers work by utilization of the expertise database and due to development of measurement device which will not influence bee behavior.