Optimizing evacuation flow in a two-channel exclusion process

We use a basic set-up of two coupled exclusion processes to model a stylized situation in evacuation dynamics, in which evacuees have to choose between two escape routes. The coupling between the two processes occurs at one common point at which particles are injected; the process can be controlled by directing incoming individuals into either of the two escape routes. On the basis of a mean-field approach we determine the phase behaviour of the model, and analytically compute optimal control strategies, maximizing the total current through the system. Results are confirmed by numerical simulations. We also show that dynamic intervention, exploiting fluctuations about the mean-field stationary state, can lead to a further increase in total current.