A note on feedback linearizing control for open-channel hydraulic systems

Open channel flow systems are known to be described by non-linear partial differential equations (Saint-Venant equations), but a simple finite-dimensional model has been successfully developed for control purposes in a previous work, using a collocation method. In particular, a control law based on Input/Output linearization has been proposed on this basis. In the present note, it is pointed out how the considered model is actually fully feedback linearizable, and how a state feedback controller only using two level measurements and one flow measurement along the canal can result from this so-called flatness property. Performances of this controller are illustrated by simulation results.