A novel air-cooling bubble absorption/compression hybrid refrigeration experimental set-up of 3 kW was designed and assembled, using R124-DMAC as working fluids. The described refrigeration system could be powered by exhaust gases heat and power from vehicle engine to supply cooling demands for automobile air-conditioning or transport refrigeration. The characteristics and performance of the refrigeration system were tested under different operation conditions, and results indicates that the refrigeration system have favorable performance and stability; The cooling capacity of absorption refrigeration sub-cycle and hybrid refrigeration cycle can reach 2.4 kW and 2.95 kW respectively, on conditions of 340 degrees C driving heat air temperature and 210 L h(-1) pump flow rate. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Ltd.