Real time control (RTC) of urban drainage systems - A discussion of the additional efforts compared to conventionally operated systems

Application of real time control (RTC) in urban drainage systems is discussed in this paper as a potential solution for water management tasks. Though, in engineering practice, often the opinion prevails that to perform RTC requires far more effort than to use conventionally operated systems. Depending on the objectives and the boundary conditions of the entire urban drainage system under review, the additional effort (and extra cost) needed may well be limited. This concerns measurement and control devices as well as the planning process involved and the adaptation of daily operations. Due to the increased flexibility of controlled systems, their degree of utilisation can be essentially improved. With that, it is not only possible to reduce environmental impacts, but also to achieve operational objectives more easily.