A Remotely Controlled Siphon System for Dynamic Water Storage Management

Abstract:

This paper presents an analytical, experimental and numerical study of the initiation of flows in a siphon for rapid and gradual openings of a downstream valve. Three initial water levels in the upstream tank and four final positions for the downstream valve were investigated. Two opening times of the downstream valve were also studied. Good agreement between analytical, experimental and numerical results were obtained. The proposed siphon system was found to initiate the flow regardless the downstream valve is opened gradually or rapidly. However, small leakages may lead to air at atmospheric pressure to rush into the top of the siphon and stop the flow. Overall, the proposed siphon system can be an effective and inexpensive method to dynamically manage the storage of ponds and wetlands for flood control.