Real Time Control within a Combined Sewer System: Comparison of Practical and Theoretical Results

Application of real time control systems within sewer networks is one of different possible measures taken against the problems with storm water runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSO) in urbanized areas. Practical investigations concerning the effect of this alternative way to reduce CSO have been made during four years in the sewer network of the community Ense-Bremen (near Dortmund). An implemented simple control strategy manages the flow and storage events aiming at an even degree of storage capacity at any detention tank and at any time. The comparison with model calculations, reveals that there are differences between both results especially those concerning the basin out-flows. These differences are mainly caused by the constraints of practical operation. Therefore it is necessary to develop control strategies considering these facts within its practical course.