project:no-condensation-hive-lid:design
Concept Requirements Design Legal Builders Prototypes Media Documentation Tasks Suggestions Discussion

Description

  1. The width of the Lid is the same as the width of the hive body, such as an 8 frame or 10 frame hive body.
  2. The length of the Lid extends further out the front of the hive than the length of the hive body by at least 6mm (up to 9mm), plus the width of the Lid rim.
  3. The ceiling is insulated with a sheet of insulation, such as polystyrene, to fit the inside dimensions of the Lid.
  4. A rigid sheet, such as plywood, is then sloped at an angle so that the back end touches the insulation and the front end of the sheet is no lower than 6mm from the lower edge of the rim. This is done by fixing a riser across the front of the inside of the Lid with a height to bring the sheet to the desired height above the lower edge of the rim.
  5. The front rim of the Lid has a greater depth than the rest of the rim.
  6. Spacers are placed on each side of the front rim and in the center to maintain the 6mm gap at the front to allow bees to enter and exit via the Lid. These spaces should also have a space of at least 6mm at the bottom for a horizontal strip to be placed along the front to reduce the size of the entrance.
  7. Supports to hold the strips for the entrance reducers are placed directly below the spacers on the lower edge of the front rim.
  8. Add at least two ventilation holes, at least 10mm in diameter on the back rim of the Lid covered with a mesh, such as fly screen.
  9. A plate may be added at the back of the rim to help to secure the Lid on a hive body, such as from getting blown off in high winds.

Photos

LidA.JPG

The Lid upside down - ventilation holes were added later.


LidB.JPG

The Lid upside down on another angle