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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #91232
Title: AN OPEN-LOOP CONTROL SCHEME FOR OPEN-CHANNEL FLOW

Author
item Bautista, Eduardo
item Clemmens, Albert

Submitted to: International Conference on Water Resources Engineering Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/7/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Improving water flow control in canal systems can help improve the accuracy of water deliveries to users. For agricultural users, improved deliveries can translate into better water management on farm. Currently, most canal systems are operated using empirical rules and operator experience. With recent advances in computer and remote control technologies, the development of computerized control systems for canals is now more likely than ever. These control systems are expected not only to facilitate the operation of canals under their present operational rules, but are also expected to promote more flexible rules and a service that is more responsive to user needs. This paper proposes a simple computer-based control system that can help schedule the operation of canals to meet anticipated changes in water demands. Irrigation districts and engineering consultants should find this technology valuable.

Technical Abstract: A simple approach for computing an inticipatory open-loop (.e., feedforward) control schedule to satisfy known water demand changes in open channels is proposed. The methodology assumes a succession of steady-states and takes into account pool volume changes and delay times to generate a schedule of check flow rate changes. The proposed procedure is a component tof an automated control system currently under development for the Salt River Porject in Arizona.