Energy,+Transport+and+Communication

= __‍Energy, Transport and Communication ‍__ =

__**Energy:**__
Solar energy is light and heat energy from the sun. Solar cells convert sunlight into electrical energy. Thermal collectors convert sunlight into heat energy. Solar energy can be used for water pumps, heating water and supplying electricity (The NEED Project, 2011). The island will make use of passive and active solar products and methods when developing infrastructure. Housing will be required to meet standards encompassing north-facing windows, insulation, a minimum amount of solar panels, skylights etc. Moving air turns the blades of large windmills or generators to make electricity, or to pump water out of the ground. A high wind speed is needed to power wind generators effectively. While wind generators don't produce any greenhouse gas emissions they may cause vibrations, noise and visual pollution (The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2000). The island will be able to utilize the high winds to power pumps and generators.Sites need to be clear of tall vegetation and are often on prominent hills and headlands or in coastal areas. The port settlement provides an ideal location to implement the use of wind energy. Potential negatives: Wind turbines have been known to cause migraines. Kite-like airborne turbines spinning at high altitudes sending power down via nano-tube cable tethers to generate power for the community. This may be an alternative to windmills that may result in migraines for inhabitants of the Island.
 * Solar energy:**
 * Wind energy:**
 * Flying wind farms:**

Biomass is plant and animal material that can be used for energy. This includes using wood from trees, waste from other plants and manure from livestock. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, light, heat, motion and fuel. Converting biomass energy into usable energy has many environmental benefits. Fuels such as ethanol can be made from biomass and used as an alternative to petrol to power motor cars (The State of Queensland (Department of Education) 2000) This method will not only provide us with a renewable energy source but also an approach to remove waste from our island.Furthermore, this will make use of the high levels of algae growing in the swap. Not only will it monitor algae levels it will also provide positive benefits.
 * Biomass:**

= **__Transport:__** = Use of horses and horse and carts for transportation. Use of bikes for transportation for individuals. Maglev trains work by moving over a magnetic field. They are pulled forward by the electromagnetic field underneath them, although they do not actually touch this field ­The big difference between a maglev train and a conventional train is that maglev trains do not have an engine- at least not the kind of engine used to pull typical train cars along steel tracks. The engine for maglev trains is rather inconspicuous. Instead of using fossil fuels, the magnetic field created by the electrified coils in the guide way walls and the track combine to propel the train (Ask Kids, 2011). This method of transport will have fewer impacts on the environment in comparison to other high speed methods of transport (the Magnetive Levitation Trains are able to travel up to 100km). The trains will be able to transport humans, livestock and materials. The hoverboard is like a skateboard but it does not have wheels. Hoverboards work through the use of fans pushing air downward creating a cushion of air which pushes the board off the ground (Bonsor, K, 2011). Hoverboards will be useful on the island and around the settlement as it will not be affected by the terrain. Alterations can be made to the hoverboards to allow seating and increase passenger count. For the Hoverboards to be a viable mode of transport bridges will need to be constructed over the rivers as hoverboards do not work over water.
 * Livestock:**
 * Bikes:**
 * Magnetive Levitation Trains:[[image:mag_train.gif width="343" height="170" align="right"]]**
 * Hoverboards:**

= __Communication:__ = **Satellite ﻿Telephones/internet:**Satellites can provide telephones, television, internet and radio on the island without being connection by wires to other countries. It will eliminate the need for wires and transmitters on the island. We will be able to communicate with other countries for trade purposes through the use of email and Skype. **Bird mail system:** Various birds inhabiting the island will be used to transport mail and information between settlements

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__ Know, Want to Know, Learn __
The following outlines what our team already knows, what we would like to learn and how we would like to go about it in relation to energy, transport and communication

solar powered products - High levels of wind to allow use of wind turbines - Accessible water sources to allow use of water powered products - Possible oil deposit off the coast of the island that will increase transport opportunities - Due to distance between settlements, communication will need to be assisted forms of electrical communication o r transport || - Will we have access to generators? - Will we be able to source fuel for the possible various modes of transport (ships, cars, motorbikes etc.) - Depth of water in Port to ensure area is appropriate for ship access -Can we import any animals that could be used for transport and to pull carts -Do we have access to portable radios that will work in the range of the settlements? -If we have no technical communications, could we establish a flag/fire system? || - Research on possible modes of communication suitable for the island (eg. Radios) - Questioning task force leaders on their knowledge and understandings - Researching previous examples of established settlements and their methods of energy, transport and communication - Look at surrounding islands for similar information ||
 * __**What we Know!**__ || __**What do you we need to learn**__ || __**How we learn it**__ ||
 * - High level of solar energy to allow for possible