Simplified Modeling of Irrigation Canals for Controller Design

The integrator delay zero (IDZ) model presented by Litrico and Fromion is a simple way to model a canal for control purposes that extends the classical integrator delay model. This analytical model gives a very good frequency domain approximation of the Saint-Venant transfer matrix for a pool possibly in backwater conditions. The present paper shows how this model can be used to model an irrigation canal for control design. The IDZ model is analyzed and its accuracy evaluated in the frequency and time domain on two ASCE test canals for high and low flow conditions.