> I started using basic heat transfer formulas, metabolic rates and internal wall temps vs outside temps to estimate energy requirements. Goal is to convert Cluster Degree Hours (in the doc) to heating units vs R-value of hive setup.

I second Pete's comment that this is interesting work and those max daylight hours are something we all wish we had.  

On page 29, I was wondering if you just used Mitchell's formulas or is there an element of observation in the cluster formation temps.  I'm glad to see that the poly hives demonstrate what common sense would dictate that they add some value when measured against the thermal loss of a wooed hive. 

Just one observation of mine is that the internal wall temp is not that meaningful since the filled honeycombs next to the walls have an R-value of 15 and anyway the bees are not occupying or heating that space.  Measuring deeper into the colony may be more helpful. 


Bill Hesbach
Cheshire CT    

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