This paper presents simulation studies conducted on a GAX absorption-compression (hybrid) cycle using ammonia-water as working fluid for air conditioning applications. The degassing range of the cycle has been optimized for maximum COP. The effect of absorber pressure on the heat duties of the cycle has also been studied. It is found that the maximum COP occurs at an optimum clegassing range of about 0.4 kg of ammonia per kg of strong solution. Comparison of hybrid and conventional GAX cycle was conducted, and it was found that the hybrid GAX cycle has an average of 30% higher value of COP than the conventional GAX cycle. A reasonable agreement is observed between the results and performance parameter trends obtained from the present study and the published results available in the literature. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.