RIGID R290 Mini Compressors are compact, variable-speed BLDC rotary compressors designed specifically for vapor-compression refrigeration systems using R290 (propane) refrigerant.

The R290 miniature compressor family includes 24V and 48V DC twin-cylinder platforms for compact refrigeration, liquid cooling, air conditioning, electronics thermal management and battery-powered cooling systems.

Key R290 models include:

• QX2802VDL-T — 24V DC, 2.8 cc, twin-cylinder
• QX3803VDL-T — 48V DC, 3.8 cc, twin-cylinder
• Cooling capacity up to approximately 760W-class, depending on model and operating condition
• Variable-speed BLDC drive
• Compact vertical rotary architecture
• Controller/drive board included
• Suitable for compact OEM vapor-compression systems

R290 has a very low global warming potential compared with conventional HFC refrigerants, but it is an A3 highly flammable refrigerant.

Compressor selection, refrigerant charge, electrical design, ventilation and the complete refrigeration system must therefore be engineered for R290 and comply with applicable product and market safety requirements.

R290 is a natural refrigerant with very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and excellent thermal performance. It’s highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

Compact size, twin-cylinder design, BLDC motor, inverter speed control, low vibration, ultra-quiet operation, and superior energy efficiency.

RIGID offers 12V, 24V, and 48V DC versions, suitable for off-grid, solar, or battery-powered systems.

Yes, it features DC inverter technology, allowing the compressor to run at variable speeds to match the cooling load efficiently.

RIGID’s inverter compressors use only as much power as needed, significantly reducing energy consumption by up to 40% compared to fixed-speed compressors.

An R290 mini compressor is a compact refrigeration compressor specifically configured for R290, or propane, as the working refrigerant.

RIGID's R290 miniature compressors combine:

• R290 refrigerant compatibility
• BLDC motor
• Rotary compression
• Twin-cylinder architecture
• Variable-speed control
• 24V or 48V DC operation
• Compact dimensions for OEM integration

They are designed for applications where engineers need vapor-compression refrigeration in a small package while using a very-low-GWP natural refrigerant.

Typical applications include:

• Compact liquid chillers
• Portable refrigeration
• Small air conditioners
• Electronics cooling
• Battery thermal management
• Medical and laboratory equipment
• Mobile refrigeration
• Telecom cooling
• Solar and off-grid refrigeration
• OEM thermal-management systems

R290 is flammable, so the compressor must be integrated into an R290-specific refrigeration system rather than treated as a direct replacement for an R134a compressor.

For a 24V R290 refrigeration system, the QX2802VDL-T is RIGID's primary miniature twin-cylinder platform.

Published specifications include:

• Model: QX2802VDL-T
• Voltage: 24V DC
• Refrigerant: R290
• Displacement: 2.8 cc
• Compressor architecture: twin-cylinder rotary
• Weight: 1.3 kg / 2.87 lb
• Dimensions: 130 × 61 mm
• Working current: 1–8.3A
• Maximum current: 12A
• Variable-speed operation: approximately 2,100–4,500 rpm
• Drive board: included
• Display panel: optional

RIGID currently publishes capacity figures around 580–650W in its main specification section.

Actual capacity depends on evaporating temperature, condensing temperature and compressor speed.

For an OEM design, the QX2802VDL-T should therefore be selected from its performance curve rather than from the nominal capacity figure alone.

For 48V DC applications, RIGID offers the QX3803VDL-T twin-cylinder compressor.

Published specifications include:

• 48V DC
• R290
• 3.8 cc displacement
• Twin-cylinder rotary architecture
• Approximately 760W-class nominal capacity
• 1.6 kg weight
• Approximately 135 × 64 mm package
• Working current: 1–6.2A
• Maximum current: 10A
• Variable speed: approximately 2,100–4,500 rpm
• Drive board included

A native 48V compressor can be particularly useful in telecom, battery and off-grid systems where a 48V DC bus already exists.

It can eliminate the need to add a DC-to-AC inverter solely to operate a conventional AC refrigeration compressor.

Final selection should still be based on the actual refrigeration operating point.

Yes, depending on the required coolant temperature and refrigeration operating condition.

The 24V QX2802VDL-T is positioned in approximately the 580W+ capacity class, while the 48V QX3803VDL-T provides approximately 760W-class nominal capacity.

These compressors can be integrated into a vapor-compression liquid chiller consisting of:

R290 compressor → condenser → expansion device → liquid heat exchanger → compressor

The liquid evaporator can be a plate, coaxial or other appropriately designed heat exchanger.

For liquid-chiller selection, provide:

• Required heat removal in watts
• Coolant type
• Coolant inlet temperature
• Required outlet temperature
• Coolant flow rate
• Maximum ambient temperature
• Condenser airflow
• Available DC voltage

A nominally rated 760W compressor does not necessarily provide 760W when producing low-temperature coolant. The compressor performance map must be checked at the required evaporating and condensing temperatures.

RIGID's QX2802VDL-T and QX3803VDL-T use twin-cylinder rotary compressor architectures.

In a twin-cylinder rotary compressor, compression is distributed across two pumping chambers rather than one.

For compact variable-speed refrigeration systems, this architecture can help provide:

• Smoother compression torque
• Reduced pulsation
• Lower vibration
• Stable refrigerant flow
• Higher displacement within a compact package

RIGID publishes operating noise below approximately 48 dB for its R290 twin-cylinder platform under its stated test conditions.

Actual system noise depends not only on the compressor but also on compressor speed, mounting, refrigerant piping, enclosure design, fans, pumps and structural resonance.

R290 has a substantially lower global warming potential than R134a and is therefore an important natural-refrigerant option for applications transitioning away from higher-GWP HFC refrigerants.

However, refrigerant selection should not be made from GWP alone.

Engineers must also consider:

• Flammability classification
• Refrigerant charge limits
• Operating pressures
• Compressor compatibility
• Lubricant compatibility
• Heat-exchanger design
• Expansion-device sizing
• Electrical-component requirements
• Applicable product standards
• Local regulations

R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant, meaning it has low toxicity but high flammability.

Therefore, its environmental advantages must be combined with an R290-specific safety design.

Yes, RIGID’s compressors are developed to meet EU Eco-Design Directive 2015/1095 and other international efficiency standards.

No. R290 should not be treated as a drop-in field replacement for R134a.

Changing refrigerant can affect:

• Compressor compatibility
• Lubricant
• Refrigerant mass flow
• Refrigerant charge
• Expansion-device sizing
• System pressures
• Cooling capacity
• Compressor motor load
• Discharge temperature
• Safety classification
• Electrical-component requirements
• R290 is also an A3 flammable refrigerant, while R134a is classified differently.

If an existing R134a product is being redesigned for R290, the compressor and complete refrigeration circuit should be re-evaluated.

RIGID offers dedicated R290 compressor configurations so OEM engineers can design the refrigeration system around R290 from the beginning.

Definitely. RIGID’s R290 DC compressors are ideal for solar-powered and battery-operated cooling systems.

Used in portable air conditioners, compact chillers, marine refrigeration, mobile HVAC, telecom cooling, and off-grid appliances.

Yes, RIGID provides compact compressors with customizable drive boards (PCBs) for easy integration and software control.

Absolutely. The compact size and energy efficiency make it perfect for transport refrigeration and engine-off vehicle cooling.

Yes, RIGID provides custom solutions for industrial, commercial, and research applications.

You can buy directly from Website or contact Quinn for nice price for bulky orders. quinn@rigidhvac.com

RIGID's R290 mini compressors use an electronic BLDC drive board for variable-speed operation.

The current QX2802VDL-T and QX3803VDL-T product specifications list an operating speed range of approximately 2,100–4,500 rpm.

Variable-speed control allows refrigeration output to be adjusted according to thermal demand.

This is useful for:

• Capacity modulation
• Temperature control
• Partial-load operation
• Battery-energy management
• Reduced compressor cycling
• Changing ambient conditions

RIGID also provides controller configurations that accept an analog control signal for speed regulation.

The exact voltage-to-speed relationship must be matched to the specific compressor and controller. A generic 2,000–6,000 rpm control formula should not automatically be applied to an R290 compressor whose approved operating range is 2,100–4,500 rpm.

Yes.

RIGID's R290 compressor platforms operate from DC power and can be integrated into battery-powered or off-grid refrigeration systems.

The current R290 miniature compressor family includes 24V and 48V platforms.

Potential applications include:

• Solar refrigeration
• Battery-powered chillers
• Mobile refrigeration
• Off-grid cooling
• RV and vehicle refrigeration
• Remote telecom equipment
• Portable cooling systems

The compressor operates through its electronic BLDC controller.

Battery and power-system sizing should account for:

• Compressor operating current
• Maximum current
• Controller consumption
• Condenser fan
• Evaporator fan or coolant pump
• Wiring losses
• Operating duty cycle
• Required runtime

For solar systems, available solar generation and battery storage must also be evaluated against the complete refrigeration system's daily energy consumption.

For accurate R290 compressor selection, provide the actual refrigeration design conditions rather than only requesting a compressor by wattage.

The most important parameters are:

• Required cooling capacity
• Evaporating temperature
• Condensing temperature or maximum ambient temperature
• 24V or 48V DC supply
• Target temperature
• Application type
• Available installation envelope
• Maximum allowable current
• Required compressor orientation
• Operating duty cycle
• Expected annual production volume

For a liquid chiller, also provide:

• Coolant type
• Coolant inlet temperature
• Required coolant outlet temperature
• Coolant flow rate

For air conditioning:

• Return-air temperature
• Required supply-air temperature
• Airflow
• Maximum condenser inlet temperature

For refrigeration or freezer applications:

• Cabinet volume
• Target temperature
• Product load
• Insulation
• Pull-down requirement
• Maximum ambient temperature

RIGID can use these parameters to evaluate the required compressor displacement, speed and operating point and determine whether the QX2802VDL-T, QX3803VDL-T or another R290 compressor platform is appropriate.

For initial engineering selection, start with:

Cooling capacity + evaporating temperature + condensing temperature + DC voltage + application.