Self-powered dimmable windows with integrated controls

摘要

An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver.

主权项

1. A sidewall panel assembly for an aircraft interior, comprising:
a sidewall panel, having at least one window opening therein and a window reveal surrounding the window opening on an interior side of the sidewall panel; an electrically dimmable window, mounted on the sidewall panel within the window opening; a photovoltaic device, associated with the window reveal and oriented toward the aircraft interior, configured to convert ambient light into electrical power; and, a controller, configured for controlling the operation of the dimmable window using electrical power produced by the photovoltaic device.