A new risk based approach to Real Time Control of urban drainage networks

This study present the first full scale application of an integrated Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy for optimization of urban drainage networks. The strategy was implemented in a 76 km2 urban catchment in the centre of Copenhagen (Denmark). This generalized strategy combines runoff forecast generated by radar-based models with real-time water level measurement across the drainage system. A dynamic overflow risk assessment is performed by taking into account the estimated level of uncertainty of runoff predictions. The cost associated to the expected overflow events is minimized by a genetic algorithm. The MPC system is implemented in a commercially available platform, enabling the future connection between the dynamic strategies controlling urban drainage systems and wastewater treatment plants. Full-scale implementation is almost completed and the preliminary results from off-line test show the potential for application of this methodology in a wide range of different urban areas.