Characterization of the wind impact on the Torrumbarry irrigation district and its implications for control

Abstract

In this paper an extension to a well-known simulation model for open water channel dynamics is proposed in order to account for the wind forces acting on the water surface. Simulation results obtained with the extended model show that the observed behaviour of the downstream water level in three wind affected pools which are part of the Torrumbarry nr. 2 channel in Victoria, can be reproduced. Furthermore, simulations of channel operations performed with the extended model highlighted a potentially wind induced integrator wind-up problem for PI-type of control systems.