Advancing Hydrological Management in the Mekong Delta through Technological Development and Educational Training

越南在湄公河三角洲沿海地区修建了MeritA系列水闸，为农田提供更好的水文控制，提高水稻产量，减少海水入侵。在本项目中，将开发稳健、廉价的传感器模块，利用最优控制技术实现对水闸的实时水文监测和管理。为了响应越南政府提高三角洲居民教育水平的任务，我们还建议在芹苴大学（CTU）开发大学水平的课程。成功实施的指标将是评估有闸门的控制区是否与没有水文调节的控制区具有相似的生态，以及CTU是否成为机电一体化、控制和自动化领域有效的独立研究机构。这项工作将在以下方面开辟新的领域：(1)研究和开发廉价、鲁棒的传感器；(2)建立一个新的湄公河三角洲工作数学模型；(3)为一个高度非线性、传感器数据有限/有噪声且具有长延迟的大型系统合成最优控制器。更广泛的影响本研究可能产生以下更广泛的影响。(1)建立大尺度自然三角洲系统水文建模与控制新方法。(2)提高对湄公河三角洲水文的认识和控制，从而实现长期的社会经济改善。(3)建立更有效的土地利用和土地分配办法，从而全面改善环境健康。(4)通过研究培训提高当地居民的能力；(5)加强西澳大学与CTU之间的长期合作。

0621605-BushnellABSTRACTIntellectual MeritA series of sluice gates have been constructed in the coastal regions of Vietnam's Mekong Delta to provide better hydrological control for farmland, increase rice production and reduce seawater incursion. In this project, robust, inexpensive sensor modules will be developed to achieve real-time hydrological monitoring and management of the sluice gates using optimal control techniques. Responding to the mandate from the Vietnamese government to increase the educational level of Delta inhabitants, we also propose to develop university-level curricula at Can-Tho University (CTU). Metrics for successful implementation will be to assess whether the controlled region with sluice gates has a similar ecology to an uncontrolled region with no hydrological regulation and whether CTU becomes an effective, independent research institution in the area of mechatronics, control and automation. This work will break new ground in (1) research and development of cheap, robust sensors, (2) establishment of a new working mathematical model of the Mekong Delta and (3) synthesis of an optimal controller for a large-scale system that is highly non-linear, has limited/noisy sensor data and exhibits long delays. Broader ImpactsThe research has potential for broader impact as follows. (1) Establish a new method for modeling and control of hydrology in a large-scale, natural delta system. (2) Provide better knowledge and control of the hydrology in the Mekong Delta, leading to long-term socio-economic improvement. (3) Establish more efficient land use and land distribution practices, leading to overall improvement of environmental health. (4) Increase capacity of local inhabitants through research training, and (5) enhance long-term collaborations between UW and CTU.