Automated Water Control in Southern Alberta

by T. G. Ayers, UMA Engineering Ltd, Lethbridge, Alberta, Can,
B. C. Palmer, UMA Engineering Ltd, Lethbridge, Alberta, Can,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydropower: Recent Developments

Abstract:

The distributed control system for water delivery that has evolved in Alberta, Canada is described including the type of hardware used and the general operating philosophy. Of importance is the operator interface. The dropleaf overshot gate is presented as hydraulically more suitable and intuitively easier for the operator to adjust (both manually and automatically) as compared to the radial gate for water level control applications. An important component in securing operator acceptance of automation has been to involve operators in the conceptualization of what the system should do and how they should interface with it. One useful strategy is the use of a voice synthesizing communications controller that is capable of reporting site conditions upon demand, or upon alarm. These and other aspects of the subject are discussed.

Subject Headings: Water supply systems | Control systems | Automation and robotics | Smart buildings | Light rail transit | Hydraulics | Human and behavioral factors | Canada | Alberta

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search