The IN LIGHT project develops new smart windows to improve comfort on aircraft and reduce energy consumption

CATEC is working on a pioneering R&D project that aims to develop smart windows able to modify its degree of transparency at request of passengers. This new system avoids an increase in cabin temperature, decreasing energy consumption of the aircraft and increasing passenger’s comfort. This project, called IN LIGHT, is based on the development of windows that can darken or lighten depending on the needs of the passenger. The objective is to avoid situations of excessive brightness or glare without impeding the view of the outside landscape, and to improve comfort inside the plane. The ultimate goal is the development of a new generation of smart windows for aircraft that can be manufactured by European aerospace companies.

CATEC participates in different work packages of the project through the area of Materials and Processes, in charge of the concepts developed and the detection of their operating and fault limits. The test plan designed by CATEC includes environmental, optical, mechanical, electrical and radiation tests, and also a methodology for non-destructive testing inspection (NDT) and highly accelerated life testing (HALT/ HASS). These recent tests include high speeds of heating and cooling, humidity and vibration, for which CATEC has specific test chambers.

IN LIGHT is formed by a consortium led by the IK4-Cidetec Technological Centre, and the major international aerospace companies such as Airbus (Germany), GKN Aerospace, and others European technological and research centers. The initiative has a budget of 4 million Euros, funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission.