Inverse method for operational control of canal systems

Abstract

A non-linear explicit inverse solution method for the operational control of remotely controlled canal systems is presented. The model accounts for canal seepage, turnout flows (point sink), control structures with steeply varying and/or discontinuous discharge characteristics. The governing unsteady flow equations are solved backward both in space and time. For each space interval, the use of finite difference approximations for the operational problem results in a system of two non-linear equations in two unknowns. These equations are solved using Newton's method. The method is extended to canal networks. The canal junctions are classified into three types. The controllability of flow for each type of canal junction and for the network as a whole are discussed. The model, though explicit, is found to be unconditionally stable. The model results are verified with the unsteady flow simulation model based on non- linear Preissmen's scheme. The applicability of the model to a canal system is demonstrated.