Modeling and control of an irrigation canal

Abstract

Distribution of large volumes of water within irrigation projects involves system of canals. With increasing demand for food and competing use of water in various other sectors the pressure is on irrigation professionals to manage water more efficiently since they are the major users of water Automatic operation of sluice gates is an effective solution for improving the overall efficiency of the irrigation systems Canal automation is implementing a control system so as to upgrade the conventional method of canal operation Canal automation helps to optimize the water supply in order to match the expected demands at the offtake level thereby improving water newlinemanagement at the operational and field channel level Canal automation has been attempted in several parts of the world since its inception in 1966 by the USBR Few canal automation projects were attempted in India for ex Majalgaon system in Aurangabad, Indira Gandhi project in Rajasthan etc and the results are a mixed bag. Canal automation adopted by some of the developed countries or recommended by the external agencies cannot be put to use directly by the developing countries as the geographical, climatic and local social conditions may totally differ. Demand based operating systems within the constraints of available water supply are a practical solution for effective water management provided marginal land owning farmers form a co operative union Water Users Association and take over the operation and management of the system newline newline