System Identification of Distributory Canals in the Indus Basin

Abstract: Water is becoming a scarce resource for many developing countries and its management has become an important issue. In this work, we derive channel models for regulation in irrigation canals using system identification techniques. We take inspiration from existing research on control of large-scale irrigation networks and perform experimental identification of distributory irrigation channels in Pakistan. System identification models are computationally inexpensive and accurate for simulating water profiles; thus qualifying for addressing efficient control design problems. The channel models are estimated and validated on operational data from Khaira Distributory off Main BRB Canal, Lahore. Our results show that system identification techniques capture the efficacy of canal models appropriately and will play a vital role in building accurate models for controlled irrigation canals in Pakistan