Hierarchical Distributed Model Predictive Control for Risk Mitigation: An Irrigation Canal Case Study

This paper presents a hierarchical distributed model predictive control approach applied to irrigation canals planning from the point of view of risk mitigation. In the lower control level, a distributed model predictive controller manipulates flows and gate openings in order to follow the water level set-points indicated by the upper control level, which in addition executes mitigation actions if risk occurrences are expected. This work shows how model predictive control can be used as a decision tool which takes into account different types of risks, affecting the operation of irrigation canals.