Scientific Reports (Apr 2025)

An optimal water distribution model for canal systems based on water level

  • Ke Zhou,
  • Yu Fan,
  • Zhanyi Gao,
  • Mingming Yang,
  • Yifan Wang,
  • Yun Yang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96692-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 1
pp. 1 – 17

Abstract

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Abstract This paper presents an optimal water distribution model for canals that focuses on canal flow capacity as a foundational premise. The model aims to optimize the flow rate and timing of irrigation to satisfy the water demands necessary for crop growth. Traditionally, the flow rate in the upper-level canal is viewed as the sum of the flow rates in the lower-level canals, with the distribution of water based solely on this flow rate. However, in practice, the upper-level canal must achieve a certain water level to effectively meet the distribution needs of the lower-level canals. Therefore, this study proposes a new approach to water distribution that takes into account the water level of the upper-level canal. We establish an optimal water distribution model for rotational irrigation, as well as a group model for rotational irrigation, utilizing the NSGA-II algorithm to solve these models. The results demonstrate that distributing water to lower-level canals based on the water level of the upper-level canal aligns more closely with actual water distribution scenarios. This paper presents two types of rotational irrigation models: group-based and random water distribution, each tailored for different levels of canals. These models provide valuable references for optimizing water distribution in irrigation districts.

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