Let us consider the heat of vaporization of water at 10C, which is the
temperature within an insulated colony in Etienne's data. (Below are the
calculations and assumptions I have made in performing the calculations):
At 10C, the heat of vaporization of water is 591 kcal/kg.
Source: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-properties-d_1573.html
Our colonies produce approximately 3 gallons per every 40 pounds of honey
consumed in the winter.
Source: Water produced in the winter
<https://www.beeculture.com/wait-much-water/#:~:text=Given%20that%20a%20gallon%20of,vapor%2C%20over%20several%20winter%20months.>
26.9 pounds =12.2kg.
Thus,
591 kcals/kg (heat of vaporization) X 12.2 kg (weight of water
produced) = 7210.2 kcals
Finally,
Solid sucrose contains 3.94kcals/gram, or 3940 kcals/kg,
Thus, 7210.2kcals/3940kcals = approximately 4 pounds. however, honey is
roughly 20% moisture, so approximately 4.8 pounds of honey are conserved in
the above scenario by *not *permitting vapor to escape.
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