Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2019TN247B

Real-time adaptive detention control network: An application in the Conner Creek catchment

Institute: Tennessee
Year Established: 2019 Start Date: 2019-05-31 End Date: 2020-05-30
Total Federal Funds: $5,306 Total Non-Federal Funds: $7,343

Principal Investigators: Aaron Akin

Project Summary: The objective of this research is twofold; (1) to implement a real-time network of sensors and smart adaptive control systems (ACS) on detention ponds to optimize their urban stormwater mitigation function, and (2) to monitor the hydrologic and geomorphic implications for the receiving waterbody, Conner Creek. A network of adaptive detention controls in a watershed presents a novel approach for stormwater management and streambank erosional control by controlling and mitigating for extreme flow or channel forming events. Each ACS will accomplish this by receiving external rainfall prediction data from the National Weather Service, processing these data to determine what, if any action, should be taken, and control the outlet of the system though an externally controlled valve. For instance, it may be desirable to draw down the water level in a pond to make room for runoff that is anticipated from an incoming storm event. The ACS will be informed by a detailed SWMM model of the system allowing extensive testing and scenario building.