RTC Examples
Simple examples of how to use Real Time Control components to control regulators in the network are provided as described below. The RTC Example topic demonstrates a more complex example that uses a combination of components to compare the volume in two tanks and regulate the discharge from these tanks so that a maximum flow is not exceeded.
Range
At its simplest, RTC for a network consists of a single range and rules. The Range Example demonstrates the use of RTC for starting a pump when the level in a chamber exceeds a defined depth.
Logic
Logic operators can be used to combine the results from two ranges to give a TRUE or FALSE result. The Logic Example demonstrates the use of RTC for controlling the status of a pump depending on the depth in a controlling node and the flow in a downstream conduit.
Table
A table is used to describe the relationship between a set of input values and output values. The Table Example demonstrates the use of RTC for controlling the operation of a pump according to the volume in a chamber, by using a table to define the relationship between chamber level and volume.
Variable
A variable allows the combination of values (from a Range, Table, Logic operator, Variable or constant value) to derive another value.
All variables are set to zero at the beginning of a simulation. Variable values are preserved from timestep to timestep, so they can be used to accumulate statistics. A variable can also be used as a Timer.
The Variable Example demonstrates the use of an RTC variable:
- as a timer to control the status of a sluice gate, by applying a time delay in order to close the sluice gate 40 minutes after it has been opened.
- to control the operation of a sluice gate by measurement of the total flow through a conduit.
Controller
Controllers indirectly control a regulator in order to achieve a defined setpoint. The Controller Example demonstrates the use of RTC to control the flow through a conduit by using an incremental controller to control the setting of a Variable Discharge Orifice.
CENTAUR
This is a type of Controller that uses a set of predefined CENTAUR member functions and fuzzy logic rules to control a variable sluice gate. See the RTC CENTAUR Example for details of setting up this type of controller.
