Real Time Control (RTC) allows you to change the state of ancillary regulator structures, such as pumps, sluice gates and weirs, according to the state of sensors elsewhere in the network. For example, you can use the output from a flow gauge to determine when a sluice gate should be opened or closed. In this way, you can control flows throughout the system and identify potential storage capacity and the optimal operating patterns for the network.
The real time control of sewer networks involves predicting the growth of dry weather and storm weather flows, modelling the characteristic hydrological and hydraulic parameters of the system, and adopting a management strategy for the whole system. RTC uses sensors in the drainage network to monitor flows continuously. Using telemetry, you can implement a control system that applies local operating rules to change the state of the ancillary structures during a storm.
To run an RTC simulation you must set up an RTC Scenario. This scenario contains details of the regulators being modelled; the sensors that will provide flow, pressure and level data; and the rules by which the sensor output is applied in order to control the regulators.
Each scenario contains a number of simple components that can be combined to build up complex instructions.
This part of the tutorial uses the example files (which by default will be located in the Example Data Directory) and describes how to:
- Create an RTC scenario and use level data from a manhole to control a pump
- Model the effect of a temporary failure in the pump
- Modify an RTC scenario
The structure of this part of the tutorial is illustrated in the following flowchart, which outlines the successive tasks to be performed in order to use the software in an efficient way. The flowchart is selectable so you can click a rectangle to open the topic which contains further information about the task.
Back to main flowchart