Work

Real-time estimation of states and unknown boundary conditions in pressurized pipeline systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Accurate estimation of boundary conditions in pressurized pipelines is essential for effective monitoring, control, and fault detection. However, boundary variables such as unmeasured demands and unknown pressure heads are often unavailable, introducing uncertainty into hydraulic models. This study presents a real-time observer-based framework for joint estimation of system states and unknown boundary inputs. The approach employs the Elastic Water Column Model (EWCM) to derive a linear time-invariant (LTI) representation compatible with observer design. Because the system does not satisfy the observer matching condition, auxiliary outputs are generated to transform it into a matched form. These outputs are first estimated using a High-Gain Observer (HGO) and then incorporated into a Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) for reconstructing both states and boundary conditions. The framework is validated through two numerical case studies and laboratory experiments involving transient pipeline flows. Results demonstrate accurate real-time estimation of unknown boundary conditions using only internal pressure data. Compared with batch-based methods such as Expectation–Maximization and Weighted Least Squares, the proposed observer-based strategy provides a computationally efficient and real-time alternative for hydraulic system monitoring.

Source: Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2025.113664

Authors: Morteza Imani, Aaron Zecchin, Wei Zeng, Martin F. Lambert

Institution: The University of Adelaide

Language: English

Topic: Water Systems and Optimization

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,730