Rule-Based Control Algorithm to Explore Energy Flexibility from Residential Pool Filtration Pumps

Residential pool filtration pumps, together with the HVAC systems, represent the highest residential consumption loads. The efficiency of pool filtration pumps has been a recurring topic of study; however, the same cannot be said for the optimization of their operation. This study contributes to the scientific community by developing a specific control algorithm for filtration pumps, filling some gaps in the existing literature. The research addresses the energy flexibility of residential pool filtration pumps, introducing a rule-based control algorithm to reduce associated energy costs by utilizing surplus solar energy from a residential photovoltaic system. The results, collected from an illustrative case study, demonstrate significant reductions in pump operation costs (−46%) and total electricity bill (−18%). These results highlight the potential of the proposed algorithm to improve the operation of filtration pumps, contributing to increase the self-consumption of on-site generation and to reduce electricity costs.