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The objectives are to demonstration the benefits of automatic
control of gates, and to determine the equipment and software
that work best in the conditions along the Rio Grande River
in Texas. Implementation of canal automation will result in
more efficient water management with benefits from improved
crop yield, reduced operation and maintenance costs, and water
conservation through reduced spillage and seepage.
Each demonstration will be equipped with a telemetry system
that will transmit current conditions at the gate to the district
office, and receive instructions on gate settings generated
by the automation software. While the basic telemetry and
gate control equipment is fairly standard, we are focusing
most of our efforts on evaluating control software and making
modifications as needed for maximizing canal operational efficiency.
The districts involved are required to cover the costs of
items such as the motors and actuators needed to operate the
gate. Where needed the district will have to replace the existing
gate structure with one that can be automated. The IDEA Team
will cover the costs of the telemetry and automation software
systems.
Areas
of Evaluation and Project Components:
- Optimal canal water management procedures
- On-farm water delievery analysis
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