A water distribution system consists of numerous
appurtenances that are interconnected, creating a
network comprising nodes and branches. Basic
process variables are used to describe the behavior of
these elements and nodes, and control of these
process variables is important for proper operation of
a distribution system. The authors describe an alternative
controller that combines the nonlinear control
technique known as dynamic inversion (DI) with
proportional integral derivative (PID) features to
cope with existing control problems. Proportional
derivative (PD) and PID controllers are presented and
compared with DI-based robust nonlinear
controllers. In this study, emphasis is given to determining
how quickly a water distribution system can
be controlled in order to reach different targets
within a short time and without creating undue transients.
In this regard, control algorithms play an
important role in real-time control of a water distribution
system. Thus, development of controllers for
pumping and valve operations can significantly
improve any water distribution system with respect
to reducing leakage, maintaining pressure, and controlling
flow in the entire network. Includes 19 references, tables, figures.