Test Cases for Canal Control Algorithms

The ASCE Task Committee on Canal Automation Algorithms developed a series of test cases to test the general suitability of canal-control scheme logic. The primary intent of these tests is preliminary screening of various feedback control methods. The testing is to be performed with an unsteady-flow simulation model. Two test canals are presented, representing extremes in hydraulic properties. For each, two test scenarios are presented to cover a range of flow conditions. For each test there are both known-anticipated and unknown-unanticipated changes in offtake flows. Each test is run twice, once for the hydraulic conditions under which the controller was tuned and once for a slightly different set of hydraulic conditions. The latter tests determine how the algorithm will respond with imperfect information and over time as properties change. Recommendations are given on how to present the results of these test cases and the associated set of performance indicators or measures. Some representative test results are also provided for one test case.