Linear programming techniques for analysis and control of batches Petri nets

In this paper we consider Generalised Batches Petri nets (GBPN) and develop new linear algebraic techniques for the analysis of this model. Two main contributions are presented. The first contribution lies in the fact that although we consider the same GBPN model that has already be presented in the literature, we associate to this model a different semantics considering that the instantaneous firing flow of continuous and batch transitions are control variables that can take an arbitrary value provided they satisfy given constraints. The second contribution consists in the analysis of the steady state behavior of GBPN. We show that under the assumption that no discrete transition fires, a steady state can be characterized by solving a linear programming problem that takes into account the net structure and the initial marking.