Feature: Enclosures


Younger developed a monitoring device that will give round-the- clock notifications on hive health. The device includes electronic sensors and a microprocessor, so like the hives it monitors, it also needs protection


humidity can cause condensation, which can give rise to fungus and rotting, and cold water droplets can kill the bees. Near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, are several hives under


the care of bee preservation enthusiast Rae Younger. North Scotland has shorter summers than the rest of Britain, giving the bees less time to make the honey they need for energy over the long, cold, winter months. In this climate the health of the hive is more important than ever.


Beehive monitoring device Younger has developed a monitoring device that will give round- the-clock notifications on hive health. Te device includes electronic sensors and a microprocessor, so like the hives it monitors, it also needs protection from the tough Scottish winters and defence against inquisitive wildlife. Younger had previously used Spelsberg enclosures in his


daywork-related projects and found them to be resilient against all weather conditions and rugged, withstanding shocks and impacts, whilst being lightweight and easy to install. Also, Spelsberg’s customisation and engineering support makes these enclosures a great value. So, for his five hives and a monitoring device for each, Younger


turned to the Spelsberg TG enclosure, which provides IP67 protection against driving rain and snow, as well as IK08 impact resistance. Te compact enclosure, measuring 122 x 82mm, houses temperature, humidity and pressure sensors. A microprocessor commands a signal every 15 minutes, transmitted with a separate antenna via the LoRa communications protocol – a long-range, low-power spread-spectrum technique. Te unit is powered by four 8650 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Back at base, about a mile away, the LoRa signal is received,


giving 24/7 remote monitoring. If required, LoRa can transmit up to 10 miles. Although monitoring devices like these already exist, they are


typically powered by solar energy, which adds to system size and cost, compared to the battery option, which runs for nine months before recharge is needed. Other devices also transmit the cellular network, but this increases ongoing costs compared to using LoRa. Te enclosures were fast and easy to install, with a niſty quarter-


turn screw that allows fast access and closure of the cover; a clear lid was installed, to enable visibility of the status LED.


28 May 2023 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


Bees are vital to the global ecology: Pollinating trees, plants and crops is essential to the preservation of our environment and the food supply


Like many beekeepers facing colder climates, Younger uses a


polystyrene-based hive, rather than a traditional wooden design. If the monitoring device signals that the temperature is dropping, vents can be closed and, if required, insulation can be added to the hive to retain heat. Meanwhile, if humidity increases, vents can be opened or replaced with permeable alternatives to allow moisture dissipation. In addition to environmental problems threatening the bee


population, there’s also hive theſt, which is on the rise. For this, Younger added a GPS transmitter to each system, to track the location of the hive should it go missing.


Fittings Equipped with CAD drawings, downloadable from Spelsberg’s website, Younger designed and installed his own custom brackets to seat the device’s sensors, which fitted simply within the enclosure’s internal mounts. While the initial hive-monitoring device prototypes were undergoing field validation, Spelsberg’s in-house CNC customisation engineers can scale up production, if required. Te monitoring devices will help ensure that hives and their populations remain healthy, year-round.


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