Modular hybrid Petri nets for studying multi-operational production systems where parts follow multiple alternative processes

This work presents a modular hybrid timed Petri net (MHTPN) methodology used to study multi-operational production systems in which parts are used for the production of different product types. This research generalizes work presented in Tsinarakis, GJ et al., (2003) that studied production systems where all parts of the same type were used for the production of a type of final products following a common route. 3 fundamental system modules are derived; their MHTPN models are defined, followed by modules synthesis to obtain the overall system Petri net. For any topology, system´s nodes and invariants are calculated. Applicability of the method is illustrated through an analytical example.