MPC-based reference management for automated irrigation channels

The paper develops a method for improving the transient performance of feedback-controlled irrigation channels by varying the water-level references across time. To this end, a reference manager based on a model predictive control scheme is used to set the references at regular update times. The approach ensures satisfaction of actuator and water level constraints for a season given full knowledge of the load schedule. A method for constructing and using a reduced-order process model is also considered. A simulation study based on a 96-km long irrigation channel in Victoria, Australia, illustrates improved transient performance with the reference manager compared to the use of fixed water-level references.