Abstract: A method for operating a domestic appliance to reduce consumption of one or more operating resources includes receiving data about a temporal cost profile of the operating resources, having a first time interval with low costs and a second time interval with high costs, comparing a operating time period with the first time interval and determining a point in time for starting operation as a function of a result of the comparison, when the operating time period is longer than the first time interval, determining a temporal program segment with a higher consumption than other program segments based on a temporal consumption profile that describes consumption as a function of time during operation, and determining the point in time for starting the operation such that the program segment with the higher consumption falls within the first time interval.

Abstract: This invention provides a server system in which a plurality of servers are divided into a plurality of groups in accordance with a physical arrangement. The server system includes at least one system power provider that distributes and provides system power to each of the plurality of groups, a battery that corresponds to each of the plurality of groups and provides stored power to at least two servers included in the group, and a controller that controls each of the servers included in one group based on power providable by the system power provider and the battery.

Abstract: The electrical consumption mitigation provided by energy storage systems can be unreliable when a consumption peak lasts long enough to deplete the energy stored and the remainder of the peak is unmitigated. By implementing a waiting period between detecting the peak and discharging the energy storage in which characteristics of the peak are observed, a peak mitigation system can lengthen the effective discharge duration of the energy storage system and prevent unmitigated plateaus from appearing. For example, when a consumption plateau is detected, the system may discharge at a slower rate than when a spike is detected in order to prolong mitigation activities before the conclusion of the plateau. Thus otherwise-incurred demand-related utility charges can be reduced without having to increase the capacity of the mitigation system. In some cases, these processes are performed with respect to the bounds of demand-averaged time periods used to calculate demand charges.

Abstract: A computer implemented method optimizes a utility plant having multiple devices to convert input energy into output energy for a building. The method includes dividing a utility plant scheduling interval into several control intervals and for each control interval, obtaining a difference between a desired and a measured in-building condition controlled by output power from the utility plant, obtaining current values of multiple factors that influence operation of the utility plant, determining a new power demand of the building expected to decrease the difference, and finding set points for the multiple devices that satisfy the new power demand, take into account response times of the devices and their capacities, and optimize utility plant operation costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lighting control system and method thereof. The lighting control system includes: a primary lighting device having a wireless module and a plurality of secondary lighting devices. The primary lighting device and the secondary lighting devices communicate with one another by power line communication (PLC). The primary lighting device is configured to receive a control signal through at least one of power lines and the wireless module, and send the control signal to the secondary lighting devices.

Abstract: smart power distribution system and a method to progressively dispatch the power is described. The method steps are all automatic and self-adaptive. The method can be executed in an unattended manner to automatically correlate real time data vs. historical data, planning data vs. operation data. Based on a long cycle periodical variation and short-term random variations in load, and taking into account the temporary load power supply and maintenance needs, a multi-stage progressive multiple time scales optimal dispatching method is developed, including the distributed power, micro-grids, energy storage devices, electric vehicles charge-discharge facility and other elements of the Intelligent power distribution systems, to achieve coordinated operation of the network, power, load resources to ensure a continuous safe and reliable smart power distribution system operated at high quality and efficiency.

Abstract: This specification relates to a central control apparatus, which is configured to calculate time-division power usage as predicted power usage, which is consumed by at least one facility in a control area within a specific time section, on the basis of predicted external temperature corresponding to the control area within the specific time section and a time-division model, calculate variable-based degree day (VBDD) daily power usage as predicted daily power usage corresponding to the control area on the basis of the predicted external temperature and a VBDD model, and calculate final power usage as final predicted power usage consumed in the control area within the specific time section on the basis of the time-division power usage and the VBDD daily power usage, and a facility control system including the same.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program is provided for controlling an electric power system, including implementation of voltage measurement using paired t statistical analysis applied to calculating a shift in average usage per customer from one time period to another time period for a given electrical use population where the pairing process is optimized using a novel technique to improve the accuracy of the statistical measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method and an apparatus for dynamically changing a group control mode for operating a plurality of devices based on user intervention information according to a user's need are provided.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dynamically learning the optimum energy consumption operating condition for a building and monitor/control energy consuming equipment to keep the peak demand interval at a minimum. The dynamic demand limiting algorithm utilized employs two separate control schemes, one for HVAC loads and one for non-HVAC loads. Separate operating parameters can be applied to the two types of loads and multiple non-HVAC (control zones) loads can be configured. The algorithm uses historical peak demand measurements in its real-time limiting strategy. The algorithm continuously attempts to reduce peak demand within the user configured parameters. When a new peak is inevitable, the algorithm strategically removes and/or introduces loads in a fashion that limits the new peak magnitude and places the operating conditions within the user configured parameters. In an embodiment, the algorithm that examines the previous seven days of metering information to identify a peak demand interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for simulating fraction power and control in transportation systems under design conditions and/or utilizing real-time data.

Abstract: The invention provides a global optimization and dispatching method based on time scales. The method uses a target value system and a dispatch model. The global optimization and dispatching method takes input from the results from a variety of subtopics. The methods provide adjustment and optimization in accordance with the time scales that are given in the sub goal of each sub topic: long-term, mid-long-term, short-term, ultra short term and real time optimization. Smart distribution grid can improve operational efficiency, integrated application of new elements in the distribution network of distribution energy network, micro grid, energy storage device and non-linear loads. This invention is fully adapted to the smart grid trends, with a good prospective.

Abstract: Systems and methods for voltage control in an energy distribution system (EDS), including measuring voltage and current at a node in the EDS where a Grid Energy Storage (GES) device is located. A simplified equivalent of the EDS is generated by identifying parameters for the equivalent and calculating phasors corresponding to the measured voltage and current. At least one of a voltage stability index or a voltage sensitivity factor of the EDS is calculated using the equivalent, and at least one of charging or discharging of the EDS is adjusted based on at least one of the voltage stability index or the voltage sensitivity factor to regulate and stabilize voltage of the EDS.

Abstract: An electric power control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes determining a control threshold value at a start of a demand time period based on a demand target value, measuring an amount of demand electric power of a customer which has received an electric power supply from an external power source and consumed electric power from the start of the demand time period to an arbitrary time point during the demand time period, updating the control threshold value based on the measured amount of demand electric power and the demand target value, and supplying electric power to the customer from a distributed power source when an instantaneous value of an electric power consumption of the customer exceeds the control threshold value during the demand time period.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an HVAC system with compressor(s), pump(s), valve(s), chiller(s); a touchscreen and processor(s) configured to: (1) display a preconditioning scheduling interface having line segments; (2) in response to touchscreen tap(s): place points on the segments, cycle the placed points between different kinds of points; and (3) precondition the vehicle via the HVAC based on times associated with the placed points.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information about participation in a utility demand response (DR) event by a plurality of utility customers receives information regarding participation in the DR event by the plurality of utility customers, determines DR event feedback information using a processor and the received information regarding participation in the DR event, and provides the DR event feedback information to at least one utility customer from among the plurality of utility customers.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an interactive learning heating schedule for a water boiler system, the method including the steps: (a) receiving an estimate of an amount of available hot water in a water boiler of the water boiler system; (b) receiving usage data for the water boiler system, the usage data including at least one expected usage pattern extrapolated from the usage data; and (c) generating a heating schedule for the water boiler, based on at least one expected usage pattern and the estimated amount of available hot water.

Abstract: A power system management device which manages a system state in a power system includes a system state candidate calculation unit for calculating state amounts of the system state based on an objective function from system characteristic information indicating characteristic information of a system structure, an inter-state distance calculation unit for calculating an inter-state distance representing a similarity of values between state amounts of the system state calculated by the system state candidate calculation unit, and a variability evaluation value calculation unit for calculating a variability evaluation value in which a variability of the system state is evaluated, based on an objective function value calculated from the state amount of the system state calculated by the system state candidate calculation unit and the inter-state distance calculated by the inter-state distance calculation unit. The system state is selected based on the calculated variability evaluation value.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to system and method of storing off-peak electricity. The system includes an energy storage device electrically coupled to an electricity grid of at least one electricity provider, where the energy storage device has a storing capacity and is chargeable or dischargeable, upon demand, and a controller configured to control operation of the energy storage device such that the energy storage device is charged with the off-peak electricity at an off-peak time each day when a demand for electricity is low from the electricity grid, and is discharged at a peak time each day when the demand for electricity is high, to provide an amount of the stored electricity, to the at least one electricity provider.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, energy management system includes client and server. Server includes acquisition unit, estimation unit, calculator and controller. Acquisition unit acquires data concerning electrical equipment in a building including a storage battery from client. Estimation unit estimates energy demand and energy generation amount in building based on the data. Calculator calculates, based on the energy demand and the energy generation amount, operation schedule of the electrical equipment to optimize energy balance in building under a constraint that minimizes dump power to be discarded after storage battery is fully charged. Controller creates control information to control electrical equipment based on operation schedule.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for carrying out a demand response (DR) event via an intelligent, network-connected thermostat associated with a structure. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat is operable to control an HVAC system. Control during a DR event period may be performed based on an optimal control trajectory of the HVAC system, where the control trajectory is optimal in that it minimizes a cost function comprising a combination of a first factor representative of a total energy consumption during the DR event period, a second factor representative of a metric of occupant discomfort, and a third factor representative of deviations of a rate of energy consumption over the DR event period.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to improve energy efficiency of a farm with livestock wastes by generating a cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) microgrid model; performing on a computer a multi-objective optimization to improve system efficiency of energy utilization and reduce environmental problems caused by animal wastes; and displaying results of the optimization for review.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method and system for power demand shaping (PDS) so as to manage power generation and use. Specific embodiments relate to data center power demand shaping to achieve high-performance low-overhead data center operation. Specific embodiments can incorporate standard (utility power) energy sources, renewable energy sources, or a combination of standard (utility power) energy sources and renewable energy sources. Embodiments of the subject PDS techniques can incorporate trimming the data center load power so as to allow DG systems to follow the power demand efficiently and/or incorporate two adaptive load tuning schemes that can boost data center performance and enable near-oracle operation during power demand trimming process.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to energy storage and supply management system. The system may include one or more of a control unit, which is in communication with the power grid, and an energy storage unit that stores power for use at a later time. The system may be used with traditional utility provided power as well as locally generated solar, wind, and any other types of power generation technology. In some embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are housed in the same chassis. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit and the control unit are separate. In another embodiment, the energy storage unit is integrated into the chassis of an appliance itself.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed intelligence of power tracking and power allocation may include: receiving data by at least one computer from a plurality of identified charging stations and vehicles of customers at distributed locations throughout a power grid; analyzing, with at least one processor of the at least one computer, the data with respect to available power for those locations and customer historical usage and profiles; and sending commands, with the at least one processor, to reallocate power to assets of the power grid to handle fluctuations or forecasted fluctuations in power demand based on the analysis. Customer preferences may also be considered in predicting power demand issues and need for demand response. Economic rules may be executed to incentivize the customers to comply with demand response requirements where demand is greater than power supply.

Abstract: A method solves a stochastic quadratic program (StQP) for a convex set with a set of general linear equalities and inequalities by an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). The method determines an optimal solution, or certifies that no solution exists. The method optimizes a step size ? for the ADMM. The method is accelerated using a conjugate gradient (CG) method. The StMPC problem is decomposed into two blocks. The first block corresponds to an equality constrained QP, and the second block corresponds to a projection onto the StMPC inequalities and anticipativity constraints. The StMPC problem can be decomposed into a set of time step problems, and then iterated between the time step problems to solve the decoupled problems until convergence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing power stably for direct current loads. A regulated transformer rectifier unit is controlled to provide regulated direct current power for the direct current loads at an output of the regulated transformer rectifier unit from alternating current power provided by an alternating current power source to an input of the regulated transformer rectifier unit. The direct current loads comprise passive direct current loads and active direct current loads comprising active switching power supplies. The direct current loads have at least one of constant power characteristics, resistive power characteristics, inductive power characteristics, and capacitive power characteristics. A source impedance at the output of the regulated transformer rectifier unit is determined based on an aggregate load impedance of the direct current loads and stability criterion.

Abstract: A method solves a convex quadratic program (QP) for a convex set. Constrains of the QP include sets of linear equalities and linear inequalities. The solving uses an Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). Variables of the convex QP include a linear subspace constrained variable vector and a set constrained variable vector. The method solves the linear subspace constrained variable vector while keeping the set constrained variable vector fixed using an optimal step size and a Lagrangian multiplier, and solves the set of constrained variable vector while keeping linear subspace constrained variable vector fixed using the optimal step size and the Lagrangian multiplier. Then, the Lagrangian multiplier is updated. A feasible solution is outputted if a termination condition for the feasible solution is satisfied, and an infeasible solution is signaled if a termination condition for the satisfied for the infeasible solution is satisfied. Otherwise, the steps are repeated.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining energy consumption information representative of energy consumption behaviors of multiple customers, grouping the multiple customers into multiple different clusters based on the consumption behaviors of the multiple customers, and generating an energy consumption model for each different cluster to enable forecasting of energy demand of the multiple customers.

Abstract: A security engine may be selected from a plurality of security engines to apply one or more security mechanisms to a section of source code of an application. In some cases, the section of source code may be identified by one or more security mechanism identifiers included in the source code. The security engine may generate machine-readable code that corresponds to the section of source code for which the one or more security mechanisms are to be applied. The machine-readable code may be executed on a plurality of computing devices. In one implementation, applying the security mechanisms to the section of source code may include producing zero-knowledge proofs of knowledge for the section of source code.

Abstract: A method for identifying an electric appliance and an apparatus and a system thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps: respectively collecting a first power event on a first phase power and a second power event on a second phase power; when the first power event and/or the second power event are collected, determining whether the first power event and the second power event substantially occur at the same time; if not, identifying an unknown electric appliance as a first type electric appliance; and if yes, determining whether the first power event and the second power event are substantially the same, wherein if yes, identifying the unknown electric appliance as a second type electric appliance, and if no, identifying the unknown electric appliance as the first type electric appliance.

Abstract: An operation plan creating system, by simulation based on a supply and demand scenario, extracts for each time point during operation for one day, a scenario that raises the effect of correction of the operation at the time point. The operation plan creating system classifies action-requiring scenarios by action similarity. The operation plan creating system determines an action-requiring scenario group for which actions are similar, and a correction time. The operation plan creating system judges whether an early action scenario group can be identified by data available at an early action time on the current day. If identifiable, the operation plan creating system 103 creates an identification condition for the early action scenario group and an optimal operation plan for the scenarios satisfying the identification condition.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: A power demand adjustment system and method that controls a plurality of sub-aggregators and electrical devices in a customer's facility based on information collected by the power company and the sub-aggregators. The method and system includes a comparison of the power company and sub-aggregator data which enables accurate accounting and control of the customer's electrical devices.

Abstract: An electricity demand prediction system includes electricity usage data collection means, production schedule storage means, model creation means, and short-term electricity demand prediction means. The electricity usage data collection means collects electricity usage data of each device and causes electricity usage data storage means to store the collected electricity usage data. The model creation means creates an electricity amount calculation model of each prescribed product type for each device on the basis of the electricity usage data stored in the electricity usage data storage means and a past production schedule stored in the production schedule storage means. The short-term electricity demand prediction means computes future electricity demand for each device on the basis of the electricity amount calculation model created by the model creation means and a future production schedule stored in the production schedule storage means.

Abstract: A thermostat set point estimation method and system that selects a plurality of candidate thermostat set points, determines for each of the plurality of candidate thermostat set points a predicted energy usage amount corresponding to the candidate thermostat set point, determines for each of the plurality of candidate thermostat set points an error value corresponding to the candidate thermostat set point using an actual energy usage amount and the predicted energy usage amount corresponding to the candidate thermostat set point, and identifies an estimated thermostat set point by selecting the candidate thermostat set point having the error value that is lowest from the plurality of candidate thermostat set points.

Abstract: The apparatus, systems and methods herein facilitate generation of energy-related revenue for an energy customer of an electricity supplier. The apparatuses and methods herein can be used to generate suggested operating schedules for the energy assets that including a controllable energy asset, using an objective function. The objective function is determined based on a dynamic simulation model of the energy profile of the energy assets. The dynamic simulation model is adaptive to physical changes in the energy assets based on a parametric estimation using at least one model parameter. The model parameter is at least one of an operation characteristic of the controllable energy asset, a thermodynamic property of the energy assets, and a projected environmental condition. Energy-related revenue available to the energy customer is based at least in part on a wholesale electricity market or on a regulation market.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing consumer directed energy management are described. Consumer defined triggers provide consumers and utilities with the ability to control residential energy usage, by managing manage multiple residential load control elements. A user interface is provided separately from the load control elements to allow the consumer to define his or her schedule and preferences for the purposes of controlling the multiple load control elements. In addition, settings on load control elements can be automatically adjusted based on information about consumer schedules and preferences obtained from other sources. In some embodiments, a utility interface allows utilities to implement improved energy load control. When a utility expects to implement a load control event, the utility can monitor consumer schedules and/or preferences, in order to achieve the desired energy reduction while reducing the impact on participating consumers' comfort.

Abstract: A method and a device for identifying a feasibility of a transmission interface constraint in an online rolling dispatching are provided. The method comprises: S1, establishing an online rolling dispatching model including a transmission interface constraint; S2, establishing a Lagrangian relaxation dual problem of the online rolling dispatching model; and S3, identifying a feasibility of the transmission interface constraint by solving the Lagrangian relaxation dual problem.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and reporting the renewable and non-renewable resources usage in an automated manner is provided. The system includes an AMI Meter for measuring resources usage and communicates to an AMI Server through multiple inbuilt communication facility. The AMI Server stores and process the data received from the AMI Meter for producing billing and control information. The informational messages are sent to the corresponding consumer AMI Meters and get updated in payment nodes by the AMI Server. The AMI Meter is also facilitated with auto registration (registering with server) and bi-directional metering features.

Abstract: An optimizer is used to help manage a process that has multiple consumption inputs with differing costs, multiple production outputs with differing sale prices and intermediates. The process may have storage capabilities for some consumption inputs, production outputs and intermediates. Further, there may be multiple production and consumption targets for the total amount of consumption inputs/production outputs, consumed/produced over a fixed period of time. The optimizer finds the most economical solution while staying in a region from which the contract target is reachable for any combination of uncertain fixed trajectories from pre-selected intervals.

Abstract: The disclosure facilitates generation of energy-related revenue for an energy customer of an electricity supplier. The disclosure herein can be implemented to generate suggested operating schedules for energy assets that include a controllable energy asset, using an objective function. The objective function is determined based on a dynamic simulation model of the energy profile of the energy assets. The dynamic simulation model is adaptive to physical changes in the energy assets based at least in part on a physical model of the thermodynamic property of the at least one energy asset and at least in part on data representative of an operation characteristic of the controllable energy asset, a thermodynamic property of the energy assets, and/or a projected environmental condition. Energy-related revenue available to the energy customer is based at least in part on a wholesale electricity market or on a regulation market.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining a value indicative of resource-related activity in respect of a plurality of devices using a network of metering means arranged to be in communication with one another, the metering means being associated with resource-consuming or resource-providing devices and being arranged to obtain local resource-related activity data therefrom, the method comprising: a first metering means initiating a circulation procedure by sending a token to a downstream metering means, the token comprising an activity field for carrying a value indicative of resource-related activity data; the circulation procedure continuing, until the token has returned to the first metering means, by each downstream metering means in turn receiving the token, updating the activity field in dependence on its own locally-obtained resource-related activity data, and forwarding the token to a further downstream metering means; and once the token has returned to the first metering means, obtaining a value indicative

Abstract: There is provided a network element in an electricity distribution network, the network element arranged to: identify a plurality of controllable devices connected to the electricity distribution network; determine the capabilities of the plurality of controllable devices; receive an indication of a target power consumption value; calculate which, if any, of the plurality of controllable devices connected to the electricity distribution network should be activated and which, if any, should be inactivated to meet the target power consumption value; and send instructions towards each controllable device that should be activated and each controllable device that should be inactivated to meet the target power consumption value.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for electrical load management. One of the systems includes a first electrical grid, one or more power sources coupled to the first electrical grid, a second electrical grid coupled to the first electrical grid by a power conversion system, one or more loads coupled to the second electrical grid, and one or more load control systems coupled to the one or more loads. A grid control system is configured to receive source information from the first electrical grid and send load instructions to the load control systems based on the source information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring and controlling system and method for megawatt level battery energy storage power plant, which includes: a central monitoring and controlling module is used to determine the power command value of each energy storage substation of the battery energy storage power plant, and send it to all the local monitoring and controlling modules; the local monitoring and controlling modules is used to calculate the power command value of each energy storage unit of the energy storage substations controlled by it, and sending it to each energy storage unit, and upload to the central monitoring and controlling module to store. Between the central monitoring and controlling module and the local monitoring and controlling modules, the data transmission and communication are carried out through communication networks; the communication networks adopt real time and non real time communication parallel network structure.

Abstract: A building management system is disclosed that is automatically configured using a wireless mesh network data and sensor data to create a virtual floor plan. The building management system comprising a control processor, a plurality of lighting devices, and a plurality of control devices comprising lighting control devices, each directly controlling one or more of the lighting devices. The control devices intercommunicate with each other over a wireless network, and each control device comprises a light sensor detecting light intensity. The control processor creates the mesh graph of relative positioning of the control devices to each other using received wireless signal strengths of the control devices relative to each other. The control processor determines relative positioning of the lighting devices to the control devices using the mesh graph and received light intensity readings obtained by the light sensors of the control devices when each lighting device was turned on and off.

Abstract: A method for scheduling cost efficient data center load distribution is described. The method includes receiving a task to be performed by computing resources within a set of data centers. The method further includes determining, all available data centers to perform the task. The method further includes determining lowest computing cost task schedule from available data centers. The method further includes scheduling the task to be completed at an available data center with the lowest cost computing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing electrical power consumption by individual electrical circuits in a building. The system includes a power control device in electrical communication with a multi-circuit power infeed and a multi-circuit power output, each of which includes at least two electrical conductors on separate circuits. The power control device includes respective electrical switches associated with the conductors of the power infeed and power output, an electronic communications module, and a computer processor in communication with the switches and the communications module. The processor is operable to open and close the electrical switches independently, in response to an occupancy signal and/or a trigger or scheduled event stored by the power control device. When a period of non-use is detected or anticipated, the power control device de-energizes one or more circuits, to limit unnecessary energy consumption within the system. A receptacle-level power control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A processing apparatus predicts a first demand amount and a first supply amount in the plan period, selects a candidate group, which is a candidate of a target of a load control, from among the plurality of devices, sends confirmation information that indicates a confirmation of the load control to a communication destination corresponding to the candidate group, upon receiving refusal information that indicates that the load control is refused, excludes the device corresponding to the refusal information from the candidate group, after the selection of the candidate group, receives second demand information and second supply information, predicts a second demand amount and a second supply amount in the plan period, selects a target group, which is a target of the load control, from among the candidate group, and sends a command to the control apparatus corresponding to the target group.