:: ITRC Projects ::
Automation
Currently, most irrigation
systems cannot be managed to their potential because
of the lack of water delivery flexibility provided
by districts, caused by large delay times in systems
that can only be operated manually. Only about
5% of California's canal structures (check gates and
pumps) are presently automated, representing a
serious roadblock to rapid modernization of
California's agricultural water delivery
infrastructure.
ITRC has made major theoretical and practical advances
in the past 10 years in computerized canal
automation. ITRC is able to simulate actual
flows, velocities, and water depths throughout a
complete system and can provide specific information
for any position within a pool in time increments as
small as one second. With the information
gleaned from these simulations, ITRC has created
completely new control algorithms necessary to
automate gates and pumps in vast canal systems.
ITRC also works with the major integrator companies
that physically install automation equipment in
irrigation districts. Our center specializes
in complete automation plans that incorporate both
sophisticated and simple structures and concepts.
In addition, ITRC has developed design procedures for
the
ITRC
flap gate, which requires no electricity and
works automatically at over 200 locations in
California. ITRC has successfully implemented
computerized automation projects on large and small
canals in:
- Patterson Irrigation District
- Yuma Mesa Irrigation and Drainage District
- Sutter Mutual Water District
- Reclamation District 108
- Grand Valley Water Users Association
- Colorado River Indian Tribes
- Central California Irrigation District
- Stanfield Furnish Branch
- Other districts in the western U.S.