5. Forecasting and Predictive Control of the Dutch Canal Network

Everywhere in the world where canal systems have been constructed, often the main purpose was transportation. But for most canal systems it was inevitable that they also started to play a role in the hydrology of the regions the canals crossed. In normal situations the canals have a drainage function, but in dry periods the systems can provide fresh water. An important goal for the operators is to maintain water levels on setpoint for navigation purposes. Their target is to minimize operating costs, while giving operation for navigation the highest priority. Thereby they have to take into account that the control structures have a limited operating range. A short-term optimization approach for the operational management of the canal system can increase efficiency of the water management, thereby decreasing operation costs. For the Twente Canal system, located in the eastern part of The Netherlands, such an short-term optimization approach was implemented in the operational system. This advisory module calculates the optimal operation of the available structures, given expected fluxes and system boundaries. The approach is based on Model Predictive Control and integrates observations from a gauge network and forecasted fluxes to calculate the best use of pumps and gates. The approach anticipates future lateral inflow and lock operation. The future lateral inflow in the canal sections is calculated by a rainfall-runoff model, which uses observed and forecast precipitation and evaporation. Future lock operation is estimated based on the expertise of the operators. Both have a large impact on the water balance and contain related uncertainties. The short-term optimization is implemented in the Operational Monitoring System for regulated water systems under authority of the National Water Authority (Rijkswaterstaat). This monitoring system advises operating staff on the operation of the related hydraulic structures.