Simple Optimal Downstream Feedback Canal Controllers: ASCE Test Case Results

In a companion paper, a class of downstream-water-level feedback canal controllers was described. Within this class, a particular controller is chosen by selecting which controller coefficients to optimize (tune), the remaining coefficients being set to zero. These controllers range from a series of simple proportional-integral (PI) controllers to a single centralized controller that considers lag times. In this paper, several controllers within this class were tuned with the same quadratic performance criteria (i.e., identical penalty functions for optimization). The resulting controllers were then tested through unsteady-flow simulation with the ASCE canal automation test cases for canal 1. Differences between canal and gate properties, as simulated and as assumed for tuning, reduced controller performance in terms of both water-level errors and gate movements. The test case restrictions placed on minimum gate movement caused water levels to oscillate around their set points. This resulted in steady-state errors and much more gate movement (hunting). More centralized controllers handle unscheduled flow changes better than a series of local PI controllers. Controllers that explicitly account for pool wave travel times did not improve control as much as expected. Sending control actions within a given pool to upstream pools improved performance, but caused oscillations in some cases, unless control signals were also sent downstream. A good compromise between controller performance and complexity is provided by controllers that pass feedback from a given water level to the check structure at the upstream end of its pool (i.e., that used for downstream control of an individual pool) and to all upstream and one downstream check structures.