This manual provides information intended for use by persons who, in accordance with current
regulatory requirements, are qualified to install this equipment. If further information is required,
please contact:
True Blue Power
c/o Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc.
Attn: Customer Service Dept.
9400 E. 34th St. N.
Wichita, KS 67226 USA
Phone 316-630-0101
Fax 316-630-0723
www.truebluepowerusa.com
www.mcico.com
We welcome your comments concerning this manual. Although every effort has been made to
keep it free of errors, some may occur. When reporting a specific problem, please describe it
briefly and include the manual part number, the paragraph/figure/table number and the page
number. Send your comments to:
2 Manual Number 9018047 • Revision J, September 21, 2020
REVISION HISTORY
Rev Date Detail Approved
A 10/17/2013 Initial release. BAW
B 12/10/2013 Miscellaneous revisions to grammar and content. BAW
C 10/23/2015 Updates for MOD 1 monitoring signal definitions and other
BAW
miscellaneous revisions.
D 03/21/2016 Updates for MOD 2 battery operational characteristics;
BAW
added QTR 1727 and DO-160 Sections 10, 12 to Appendix
1 EQF.
E 04/22/2016 Added Modifications section (2.6). WVC
F 06/23/2017 Added 6430017-2 and associated references; revised
WVC
weight to 16.0 lbs; clarified battery storage charge interval.
G 11/01/2017 Removed technical content not required for Installation and
WVC
Operating Instructions.
H 05/04/2020 Updated style and brand to meet Marketing and
DLR
Engineering guidelines. Section 1.5.1, updates to title and
symbols. Inserted Section 5.7, Environmental Qualification
Statement.
J 09/21/2020 Added 6430017-3 and -4 and associated references. VAA
3 Manual Number 9018047 • Revision J, September 21, 2020
SECTION 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The TB17 series Advanced Lithium-ion Battery, part numbers 6430017-( ), is designed to deliver
high current capability to start piston and light turbine aircraft engines and successively, provide
DC power capacity to the primary electrical bus in the event of generator function loss. The TB17
®
is a sophisticated power system that utilizes state-of-the-art Nanophosphate
lithium-ion battery
cell technology which provides improvements in performance, safety, life and weight when
compared to traditional or competing aircraft batteries. Consideration given to key electrical and
mechanical design principles yield compliance with regulatory standards and meet or exceed
industry expectations. The TB17 is a complete battery solution that provides significant value and
benefit to an aircraft designer, owner and operator.
The TB17 requires professional use and maintenance to deliver maximum performance and value
as designed. This manual contains information related to the specifications, installation, operation,
storage, scheduled maintenance and other related topics associated with the proper care and use
of this product.
1.2 PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
The TB17 is a single, integrated component contained in a metal enclosure with positive and
negative power terminals and a 7-pin circular communication connector. The top of the enclosure
supports the use of a hold-down bar for typical aircraft mounting. There is a 1-inch diameter vent
port on top of the unit for an exhaust connection that directs any released emissions appropriately.
1.3 UNIT ARCHITECTURE
The unit is comprised of three primary functional pieces:
Battery modules
“Switch” board; a printed circuit board assembly to control charging and discharging
“Control” board; a printed circuit board assembly to serve as the battery management
system
Each battery module consists of twenty-eight (28) cells, arranged in four strings of seven parallel
cells connected in series. Two modules are connected in series to provide the total battery output.
The modules are designed identically and each includes multiple temperature monitors and a
heater. The cells are connected with welded bus bars which contain an individual fuse for each cell
in the module.
The Switch board incorporates the ability to enable and disable charging or discharging depending
on the health of the battery and associated conditions. It also contains a charge limiting function
and current monitoring.
4 Manual Number 9018047 • Revision J, September 21, 2020
The Control board is the battery management system. The discrete logic circuitry monitors the
battery functions and protects against such conditions as short circuit, over-temperature, overdischarge and others. The Control board also generates the battery status signals that are
accessed through the 7-pin communication connector for cockpit monitoring and heater
functionality control.
Additional components in the unit include Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) that produce
analog electrical signals accessible through the 7-pin connector for redundant temperature
monitoring. There are two RTDs in the 6430017-1/-3 units and one in the 6430017-2/-4 units
(hereafter referred to as -1, -2, -3, and -4, respectively).
1.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Attributes
Software / Complex Hardware None
Power Input 28.8 volts DC Nominal, 34A Max
Power Output 26.4 volts DC Nominal, Continuous Current 500A;
Power Peak Current (I
Power Rated Current (I
) 840A;
PP
) 600A
PR
Battery Capacity 17 amp hours (Ah) @ 23°C
Table 1.1
Physical Attributes
Weight
Dimensions (see Figure 1.1)
(not including vent and
connectors)
16.0 pounds (7.2 kg) -1 and -2 configurations
17.1 pounds (7.5 kg) -3 and -4 configurations
7.22 x 7.37 x 6.01 inches -1 and -2 configurations
[183 x 187 x 153 mm]
7.22 x 9.33 x 6.01 inches -3 and -4 configurations
[183 x 237 x 153 mm]
Power Terminals (for -1 and -2) M8 x 1.25 x 10mm deep thread, 13mm hex bolt
Quick Disconnect Power
Receptacle (for -3 and -4)
2-pin per MIL-PRF-18148/3 form factor (MS3509)
Communication Connector 7-pin circular
Mounting Hold down bar (0.31 inch holes on 7.9 inch centers)