A multitasking software architecture to implement concurrent switching sequences designed with Petri nets

A software architecture is presented that supports faithful, modular and efficient implementation of a set of concurrent switching sequences in distribution substations specified through Petri nets (PNs). The keys providing speed, modularity and correct PN mapping are a multitasking kernel, a token-player algorithm plus a predicate database, and source code compactness achieved by coloring the PN. The complete software system was implemented on a laboratory prototype similar to an RTU and tested on a distribution substation simulator, exhibiting real-time efficiency and user-friendly man-machine interface.<
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