Kazakhstan researchers alongside Ryazan researchers, investigated the energy processes required for the two stage drying processes involved in the extraction of bee bread. Bee bread is used for medicinal purposes for a range of treatments. For Kazakhstan’s high solar energy potential, providing a renewable drying energy source could reduce costs, increase bee happiness and sustainability for Kazakhstan’s apiaries.

The solar drying model used simulations to replicate a hive. They used computational geometry to model air convection, solar absorption and efficiency. They found that a solar dryer was very convenient for off-grid rural areas where apiaries are commonly located. Electrical energy consumption was reduced by 60% because of lower airflow velocity.

The researchers intend to perfect future designs for across all bee drying stages and continuing to improve moisture extraction efficiency.

Toibazar, D., Urmashev, B., Tursynzhanova, A., Nekrashevich, V., Daurenova, I., Niyazbayev, A., Khazimov, K., Pegna, F., & Khazimov, M. (2025). Bee Bread Drying Process Intensification in Combs Using Solar Energy. Energies, 18(9), 2226. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092226