Self-Powered Dimmable Windows with Integrated Controls

Abstract

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.

1 - 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         42 . A dimmable window system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a sidewall panel assembly having at least one window opening;   an electrically dimmable window, having a perimeter, mounted in the window opening;   a photovoltaic energy harvesting device for converting ambient light into electrical power, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window;   a controller, mounted in proximity to the dimmable window, configured for controlling the opacity of the dimmable window using the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device.   
     
     
         43 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein all wiring associated with powering and controlling the dimmable window is internal to the sidewall panel assembly. 
     
     
         44 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein the photovoltaic patches are applied in a pattern of increasing density toward the perimeter of the dimmable window. 
     
     
         45 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein the controller includes an energy storage device for storing the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device. 
     
     
         46 . The dimmable window system of  claim 45 , wherein the controller includes:
 a processor for controlling the operation of the window, and an enclosure covering the processor and the energy storage device.   
     
     
         47 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein the controller includes a radio receiver for receiving radio signals for controlling the operation of the dimmable window. 
     
     
         48 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein the controller includes a window dimming adjustment control for selecting a level of opacity of the window. 
     
     
         49 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein:
 the sidewall includes an inboard face exposed to the interior of the vehicle and an outboard face; and   the controller is mounted on the outboard face.   
     
     
         50 . The dimmable window system of  claim 42 , wherein the controller is mounted on the sidewall. 
     
     
         51 . A sidewall assembly for aircraft, comprising:
 a sidewall panel;   an electrically dimmable window, having a perimeter, mounted on the sidewall panel;   a photovoltaic energy harvesting device, for converting ambient light into electrical power, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window; and   a control module, connected to the sidewall panel for powering and controlling the operation of the dimmable window using the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device, the control module including an energy storage device for storing the electrical power, all wiring associated with the control module and the energy storage device being internal to the sidewall panel.   
     
     
         52 . The sidewall assembly of  claim 51 , wherein the photovoltaic patches are applied in a pattern of increasing density toward the perimeter of the dimmable window. 
     
     
         53 . The sidewall assembly system of  claim 51 , wherein the control module includes a processor for controlling the application of electrical power to the dimmable window from the energy storage device. 
     
     
         54 . The sidewall assembly of  claim 51 , wherein the control module includes a circuit for conditioning electrical power delivered to the dimmable window from the energy storage device. 
     
     
         55 . The sidewall assembly of  claim 51 , wherein the control module includes a radio receiver for wirelessly receiving control signals used to control the operation of the dimmable window. 
     
     
         56 . The sidewall assembly of  claim 51 , wherein:
 the sidewall panel includes an inboard face exposed to the interior of the aircraft, and an outboard face, and   the control module is mounted on the outboard face of the sidewall panel.   
     
     
         57 . A self-powered, electrically dimmable window assembly for aircraft, comprising:
 a dimmable window, associated with a sidewall panel assembly, having a perimeter and having electrically controlled opacity;   a photovoltaic energy harvesting device, comprising photovoltaic patches disposed around the perimeter of the dimmable window, configured for harvesting energy on-board the aircraft and converting the harvested energy to electrical power;   a storage device for storing the electrical power produced by the energy harvesting device; and,   a controller for controlling the opacity of the dimmable window using the electrical power stored in the storage device, all wiring associated with powering and controlling the dimmable window being internal to the sidewall panel assembly.   
     
     
         58 . The dimmable window assembly of  claim 57 , wherein the storage device includes one of:
 a battery; and   an electrical capacitor.   
     
     
         59 . The dimmable window assembly of  claim 57 , further comprising a housing for containing the energy storage device and the controller. 
     
     
         60 . The dimmable window assembly of  claim 57 , further comprising a radio receiver for receiving wireless control signals used by the controller for controlling the opacity of the dimmable window. 
     
     
         61 . The dimmable window assembly of  claim 57 , further comprising a set of passenger controls for generating control signals used by the controller to control the opacity of the dimmable window.