Computer Control for Irrigation‐canal System

Abstract

The objective of the development work was to develop an algorithm for the computerized control of an open‐channel water distribution system that would allow the system to be operated on a demand basis rather than on a scheduled basis. The algorithm, which was of necessity empirical, is an adaption of proportional downstream control. The input to the algorithm is the water surface upstream of each control structure. The output from the algorithm is an adjustment in gate opening, implemented at the adjacent upstream control structure. The adequacy of the algorithm was verified by simulating the interaction between the algorithm and two different typical canal systems. These simulations were used to first establish viability of the algorithm in an automated control environment, and secondly to compare automated control to manual control. It was concluded that the control algorithm is capable of controlling an open‐channel water distribution system at a higher level of efficiency than manual control. Efficiency, under manual control, is measured in terms of the stability of the water surface elevations within the system.