International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

In laboratory conditions, the frost resistance of hollow ceramic samples (constructive elements of ceramic beehives) was examined by applying a standardized methodology for assessing the reliability of ceramic products. For both sample types that were investigated (each with different phase compositions), the result for the frost resistance coefficient Kfr is above 84%. The products retain their structural integrity and high resistance in an extreme temperature environment. It was not observed any significant damage that could disrupt their functionality. The obtained results prove the assumptions that the ceramic beehives are appropriate for use in vast geographical regions characterized by critical temperatures and high diurnal and seasonal temperature amplitudes. At the same time, the experimental data can serve for further optimization of the recipe compositions, the technological regime, and for improvements of the construction characteristics of the ceramic elements that build the ceramic beehive.

Prototypes of an innovative collapsible beehive, built of long-lasting, structural elements of quartz ceramics with high atmospheric resistance and the presence of air cavities with thermal insulation properties, were prepared. Prescription compositions, an original set of molds, and an adequate heat treatment regime applicable to obtain the structural details were developed. The role of the various technological factors in the formation of the performance indicators of the end products was analyzed. The main characteristics of the prepared experimental prototypes and their major functional advantages in comparison with the existing standard and traditional hives were observed. The presented innovative beehive provides a favorable natural habitat for the normal and safe development of bee families and allows the full application of modern approaches for the efficient and ecological production of high-quality natural apian products.

An observation of the current state of the beekeeping industry and the prevailing main problems was carried out. The prospects for increasing the efficiency and functional capabilities of the bee farms were analyzed. According to the long-term research activity, a technological regulation was contrived for producing innovative ceramic hives. The development is superior to the existing standard beehives made of other materials, in terms of complex operational indicators. The phase composition and technical characteristics of obtained samples of marl raw material (from Bulgarian deposits) were investigated, potentially applicable for the production of various
modifications of ceramic collapsible hives.

Bees are highly sensitive to noise pollution and in some cases, noise can impact their behaviour. Towards the goal to create optimal living conditions for the bees, we aim to understand how the material of the beehive impacts the microclimate of the beehive. The present paper aims to examine and compare the noise levels inside beehives of the same construction but made out of different materials. Three 10-frame Dadan-Blatt beehives were used in the experiment – a ceramic beehive made out of high-cavity ceramic tiles of marl clay; a ceramic beehive made out of high-cavity ceramic tiles with increased kaolin content and a wooden beehive (pine). The noise was measured in an urbanized area and inside the beehives. The results show that the best performance in terms of noise insulation is the ceramic beehive with increased kaolin content.

The use of clay as a structural material has been known for centuries. The authors set the task of studying the applicability of clay as a constructive material in the production of beehives. The study aims to make a comparative analysis of temperature conditions in different types and identical in construction beehives by comparing the indicator for ceramic and wooden hives. For the purpose were used three 10-frame hives type “Dadan-Blat” – two ceramic (one made entirely of marl clay, and the other – with increased kaolin content, both ceramic tiles are with high cavity) and one wooden (pine). Measurements of the air temperature and the temperature inside the hives were made for one month. From the obtained results it is established that for the studied beehives, the ceramic hive with high kaolin content has the best thermal insulation properties.

Beehive made of ceramic is a relatively novel concept in the feed of the beekeeping industry. One of the reasons behind the idea of changing the classical construction material of the beehives is the relatively better thermal conductivity of the ceramic material in comparison with the wooden. Previous field observations show that in wintertime the temperature in the ceramic beehive is with 1oC to 2oC warmer than the temperature measured in a wooden beehive from the same field. The present study aims to examine the thermographic characteristics of a ceramic beehive and to compare them with the most spread wooden type of hives. For the purpose, it was conducted a thermographic diagnostic of three beehives (two ceramic and one wooden) from the same field. The measurement is conducted with a thermal imaging infrared camera. For the analysis is used a licensed software FLIR Reporter Pro. The results of the comparative analysis show that in terms of balanced thermal distribution and creating a better internal environment, the ceramic beehives outperform the wooden one. What is more, the higher porosity of the ceramic material is proved to be a factor in the provision of a balanced thermal environment for the bee family.

The present article is a conceptual paper which aims to be a foundation for future experimental work. The conceptual work discusses different aspects of a new utility model – a ceramic beehive. The evidences are based on theoretical models based on the optimal living conditions of the bee family and the specifics of the changing external environment. Along with these factors are considered the ceramic properties and the relevance of the ceramic material as a construction material for the brood (the beehive body). In order to reach the aim of the paper are used the following empiric and non-empiric methods: literature review, expert evaluation, experiment. The results from the study confirm the conceptual model and reason the hypnotized properties of the experimental model for optimization of the living conditions of the bee family. This is supported by evidences in increasing of the honey production in the ceramic beehive.