Distributed model predictive control methods for improving transient response of automated irrigation channels

This paper presents distributed model predictive control methods for improving the transient response of feedback-controlled irrigation channels by managing the water-level reference set points across the irrigation season. The implemented distributed model predictive control methods exploit a two-level and single-level architectures for communication. For an automated irrigation channel, the satisfactory performance of the method with two-level architecture for communication in improving the transient response of automated irrigation channel is illustrated using computer simulation and compared with the performance of the distributed model predictive control method that exploits a single-level architecture for communication. It is illustrated that the distributed model predictive control method that exploits a two-level architecture for communication has a better performance in improving the transient response by better managing communication overhead.