Provide real-time monitoring of the beehive to optimize the health of the bees and honey production.
Prerequisites:- Proficiency in C/C++ programming for microcontrollers
- PCB design using platforms like Kicad or Altium
- Strong understanding of electronics, especially in interpreting technical datasheets
- Familiarity with software such as TTN, Ubidots, and Beep
Our initiative is centered around a connected beehive system aimed at monitoring and enhancing the health of bee colonies. The core issue we address is the alarming decline in bee populations, a significant threat to agriculture and biodiversity.
The connected beehive incorporates a suite of sensors to track hive parameters - temperature, humidity, weight - and transmits this data to a dedicated application, enabling beekeepers to remotely monitor colonies. Swift intervention during issues becomes feasible, leading to a better understanding of bee requirements and bolstered protection against diseases and parasites.
In essence, our project aims to contribute to preserving bee populations by equipping beekeepers with improved tools to monitor and safeguard colonies.
Overview of the Project Vision:Our connected beehive solution integrates diverse sensors for monitoring hive conditions. For temperature measurement, we utilize a high-precision sensor placed both inside and outside the hive. These sensors are connected to a microcontroller that processes and transmits data via a Lora network to a web application (Ubidots and Beep in our case). Weight data is also transmitted through this network.
These web platforms empower beekeepers with real-time data access, trend tracking, and alerts when parameters exceed predefined thresholds, enabling swift measures to protect colonies.
Our project journey began with meticulous documentation of each sensor's functioning, the PCB we developed, data transmission procedures, and alerts generated by the system. Initially, we identified the necessary data, procured relevant sensors and hardware, conducted individual tests on each sensor, and then consolidated and tested the entire system on a solderless breadboard.
B) Components:b.1) Microcontroller:We employed the Arduino MKRWAN 1310, a compact microcontroller board based on the ARM SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ 32-bit low-power processor. This board, commonly used for IoT projects, offers BLE connectivity and versatile I/O pins ideal for sensor and actuator connections.
For monitoring indoor and outdoor humidity, we used two DHT22 sensors: one inside the hive, the other outside. To protect the external sensor, especially against rain, we designed a 3D-printed casing from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4080321. (Link to datasheet: https://www.gotronic.fr/art-module-capteur-t-et-humidite-sen-dht22-31502.htm, technical specifications tab).
We employed two temperature probes (DS18B20) with adequate length to place the box in the hive for weather protection while allowing proper probe insertion.
(Link to datasheet: https://www.alldatasheet.com/view.jsp?Searchword=Ds18b20%20datasheet&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA75itBhA6EiwAkho9exyDe2EGnY-1fqMYN23d0qaMhn4zbBATfByDm28I-rmW5AldjL74rRoCaVgQAvD_BwE)
For weight measurement, we opted for the HX711 weight sensor, a precise 24-bit analog-to-digital converter designed for various applications. We integrated a strain gauge with an amplifier to accurately interpret weight data.
(Link to datasheet: https://www.alldatasheet.fr/view.jsp?Searchword=HX711)
The brightness is captured by an NSL_19M51 placed on the solar panel bracket.
The LiPo Rider Pro adapter card is an ingenious solution, allowing the use of solar energy to recharge the Li-ion battery and power our system efficiently. Thus, a portable power bank is created, accompanied by a dedicated battery, ensuring a continuous supply of all sensors.
(Links to datasheets -->
Solar panel : https://www.gotronic.fr/pj2-27133-2135.pdf
LiPo Rider Pro : https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Lipo_Rider_Pro/)
Our PCB design was accomplished using KICAD. The process involved creating an electrical schematic, selecting appropriate component enclosures, generating a bill of materials, and designing PCB layout. Continuity checks were performed post-printing, followed by component soldering and comprehensive system testing.
Upon confirming the system's full functionality, we enclosed it in a robust, temperature-resistant plastic housing. Achieving waterproofing involved drilling holes for cable glands, extending cables through soldering and heat-shrink tubing. Custom 3D-printed supports secured all components in place (design files included in the appendix).
Following these stages, C-coded sensor scripts were assembled and are available in the attached files. For complete code of each sensor and the final assembly, refer to our Git repository: InGELLIS/Projet_OpenRuche: Projet de monitoring pour des ruches sous Arduino / LoraWan / Ubidots / BeepMonitor (github.com)
F) Data Transmission:
Sensor-collected data was transmitted via the LoRaWAN network using a transceiver module. Steps included connecting our device to the LoRaWAN network using AppEUI, DevEUI, and AppKey identifiers. Initially, data was transferred from TTN to Ubidots and then to BEEP using a webhook. Data was formatted using payload formatters to transmit from the microcontroller to BEEP. An interface was configured on the BEEP platform to display hive data every 10 minutes. Configuration of alerts on the BEEP site based on measurement values and thresholds is pending.
- Decoder function on the things networks cloud
- Ubidots data
- BEEP Data
Once completed, we installed the system and monitored its performance for approximately two weeks.
The user interface now provides easy access to hive data with graphical representations depicting the system's evolution.
This project provided us with valuable experience in designing and constructing embedded systems catering to real-world needs. We successfully achieved our goals, acquiring new skills such as Arduino programming, LoRaWAN network utilization, PCB design, 3D printing, power consumption optimization, and setting up user interfaces on Ubidots and Beep.
Beyond technical application, this project broadened our skill set, enabling efficient task management and standardized tool usage to monitor project progression.
We extend our gratitude to Mr. Yann Douze and Mr. Sylvain VIATEUR for their supervision during this project. Their contact details are provided below: Thérèse SENE, Alexandre GELLIS, Ndeye FAYE, Orden BAKPETE.
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