Abstract
In this study an analysis and classification of water flow management methods in open natural channels is presented taking into account the characteristic of hydraulic processes and operating conditions. Theoretical fundaments of water flow regulation, classic methods of water flow and level control and retaining method as the most sustainable methods of forming hydraulic regime are also reviewed. The limitations of conventional approaches in conditions of nonstationarity, variability of tributaries and uncertainty of hydraulic process are analyzed. The necessity of transition to intellectual control systems based on combinations of classic hydraulic control systems, mathematic modeling and modern methods of control theory is substantiated. The retained method is considered not only as conventional hydraulic method, but also as perspective base for construction of adaptive and predictive controlling water flow regime algorithms in complex water management and hydropower systems. Received results can be used in designing, modernization and digitalization of water resources control systems. Practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the findings in the development of automated monitoring system, decision support and management of water management facilities. Suggested approaches contribute to increasing of regulation reliability, reducing water losses and sustainability of hydrotechnical systems functioning. These approaches create preconditions for Implementation of intellectual technologies in practice of water resources management on various levels of management systems. Keywords: open channels, water flow, water flow management, retained method, hydraulics of open channels, intellectual control, hydropower, energy systems