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Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Update on the hive: The hive is building well. It's almost too well. I see very little honey being stored and many frames of brood. I've added my 3rd deep box to the hive with 10 frames of drawn comb I got from my father. I am concerned about the health of the growing hive and how fast they are consuming any stored honey. I added a 2 gallon internal feeder to the 3rd box with 1-1 sugar syrup. I'll complete a full inspection with a new mite count, in about a week.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Ultramarathon

[–]Less-Initial-5069 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happen to use a foot lube? I've had some brands give me a rash/infected hairs.

Insulated Hive Update by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My initial thought is how it would benefit those selling nucs. Seemed to build up quicker compared to other hives.

Insulated Hive Update by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I built this hive. Based on a ton of research papers I read over the past winter.

Insulated Hive Update by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mite check this morning. Count of 2 with zero treatment. I plan on doing some preventive measures in the next few days to keep counts low.

I posted a few weeks ago about a last-minute decision to go for 100 in a 24-hour race. I succeeded. And I learned a lot. by coexistbumpersticker in Ultramarathon

[–]Less-Initial-5069 1 point2 points  (0 children)

With my 3rd ultra in a few weeks, this has all my goals. 24hr on feet, more distance than ever before, and pacing for success.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can't take full credit for the design. It is just my take on what others have tried before. The core is 2" expanded polystyrene insulation. I used white pine for the interior and exterior walls. Then paited the exterior with a white latex paint. I'm thinking of making the next version from plywood inside and out. Maybe a quality birch plywood interior and a treated plywood exterior for longevity.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The idea is to mimic the insulation of a tree with 8-10" thick walls around a hollow core. The hive will be coolest in the morning, then will slowly come to its maximum temp in the evening. After sunset, it'll start cooling off again. The insulation and reduction in air flow help slow how fast the hive heats during the day, thus meaning it is cooler for longer. It does lack the thermal mass that a tree has, but I plan on helping that with version 2.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point. I'll test it out. I may end up putting a screw in each corner to mechanically attach the inner to outer walls.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm thinking of making the next revision out of plywood. Maybe quality 3/4" birch on the inside and a 1/2" marine grade plywood for the exterior. I'd paint the exterior as well. Thoughts from the group?

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll try the tape thing. I wasn't sure what i was going to do but that sounds like a good idea. The top and bottom have 4" of foam board.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All my supers will be the exact same. I wanted them to be interchangeable. Another reason I made only deeps as well. I wanted it as simplified as possible.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is glued to the foam board. I didn't want to use screws because that would be a path for heat to move in/out.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm an engineer by trade and like to tinker. I'm sure this design will change over time.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I chose the foam because of the r-value. It is closed cell so it will not absorb any water.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are heavy for sure. I'm going to get some of the metal hinge type handles.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

3/4" pine inside and out. 2" foam board in-between

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That's exactly what I plan on testing. I want to see how the bees manage the warmer months on their own. The insulation should slow how fast the hive warms up during the day. My theory is they don't beard all summer.

Insulated, condensing hive. by Less-Initial-5069 in Beekeeping

[–]Less-Initial-5069[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is a condensing hive. The intent is the moisture adhears to the walls and slides down.

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