The models of physical processes of bees winter aggregation

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The analysis of physical processes happening in beehives was carried out for 15 000 bees in winter aggregation. In the current study changes of bees aggregation volume during winter season as well as bonds between heating, air exchange and humidity were considered. Simulation of physical in-hive processes was carried out with the help of software Comsol 5.3. Temperature fields analysis confirms the availability of the high thermal insulation ability of bees. On the surface of the bees aggregation the temperature is +12°C. In spite of temperature fluctuations outside the aggregation, inside of the latter temperature is maintained at the level of +25°C…+32°C. Within the aggregation temperature is distributed uneven, and there are zones of higher temperature values not exceeding +34°C, which is not harmful for bees. Analysis of air exchange processes demonstrates that the air velocity near the beehive entrance is 0.03…0.1 meters per second, and in the central inlet – 0.12…0.17 meters per second. The highest air velocity values – exceeding 0.19 meters per second – are achieved inside of the bees aggregation. Humidity level within beehives is uneven. Identity of thermal fields obtained with thermal camera and results of the simulation demonstrates the high level of its concordance.