Modelling approaches for predictive control of large-scale sewage systems

Abstract

In this report, model predictive control (MPC) of large-scale sewage systems is addressed considering different modelling approaches that include several inherent continuous/discrete phenomena (overflows in sewers and tanks) and elements (weirs) in the system that result in distinct behaviour depending on the dynamic state ( flow/volume) of the network. These behaviours can not be neglected nor can be modelled by a pure linear representation. In order the MPC controller takes into account these phenomena and elements, a modelling approach based on piece-wise linear functions is proposed and compared against a hybrid modelling approach previously reported by the authors. Control performance results and associated computation times of the closed-loop scheme considering both modelling approaches are compared by using a real case study based on the Barcelona sewer network.