Overview of Canal Control Concepts

An overview of terminology and philosophies of canal control, plus brief descriptions of canal automation technologies, is given. The justification given for examining control schemes is to enhance the efficient use of irrigation water through the availability of reliable and flexible water delivery systems. Hardware selection can limit the adaptation of various canal control techniques, but specific types of hardware can often be used with a variety of automation schemes. The objective of improved reliability and flexibility can often be achieved using a variety and/or combination of control techniques. Depending upon the situation, a high degree of flexibility and automation may be obtained with very crude or simple hardware, or may require sophisticated computers.