Buildings are responsible for about a quarter of global energy-related CO ₂ emissions. Consequently, the decarbonisation of the housing stock is essential in achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Global decarbonisation targets can be achieved through increased efficiency in using energy generated by intermittent resources. The paper presents a co-design framework for simultaneous optimal design and operation of residential buildings using Model Predictive Control (MPC). The framework is capable of explicitly taking into account operational constraints and pushing the system to its efficiency and performance limits in an integrated fashion. The optimality criterion minimises system cost considering time-varying electricity prices and battery degradation. A case study illustrates the potential of co-design in enhancing flexibility and self-sufficiency of a system operating under different conditions. Specifically, numerical results from a low-fidelity model show substantial carbon emission reduction and bill savings compared to an a-priori sizing approach.

Despite a large body of research, the widespread application of Model Predictive Control (MPC) to residential buildings has yet to be realised. The modelling challenge is often cited as a significant obstacle. This chapter establishes a systematic workflow, from detailed simulation model development to control-oriented model generation to act as a guide for practitioners in the residential sector. The workflow begins with physics-based modelling methods for analysis and evaluation. Following this, model-based and data-driven techniques for developing low-complexity, control-oriented models are outlined. Through sections detailing these different stages, a case study is constructed, concluding with a final section in which MPC strategies based on the proposed methods are evaluated, with a price-aware formulation producing a reduction in operational space-heating cost of 11%. The combination of simulation model development, control design and analysis in a single workflow can encourage a more rapid uptake of MPC in the sector.