Method and apparatus for the automated control of canals
US5613803A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02B7/205
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Method and apparatus for the automated control of canals. The present invention achieves and maintains steady state operation in each pool of a canal despite changing demands. Each pool in the canal is controlled separately by its own pool controller. The present invention teaches that control of a canal depends both on controlling the level of fluid in the canal at key locations. To attain this end, the present invention provides two separate control functions within each pool. First, a pool controller constructed according to the principles of the present invention attains and maintains pool level control indirectly by means of pool volume control, i.e. by controlling the pool volume where the flow is known. Second, and subservient to maintaining the pool level, the pool controller maintains sufficient flow through each pool by means of flow control at the pool's inlet, such that both the pool's demands and necessary volume, as well as the demands and necessary volumes of all pools downstream are correctly accounted for. Finally, the present invention manages the overall control objectives for the canal by electronically linking the pool controllers and by appropriately modifying…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.