Abstract In the three-pressure vapour absorption refrigeration system analysed here, a pressure control valve is introduced between the generator and the condenser of the conventional two-pressure system. This permits the generator to operate at higher pressures than those at the condenser. A comparative study is made of the performance of four working fluids namely, R22-DMF, R22-DMETEG, R21-DMF and NH 3 NaSCN. It is observed that this cycle yields higher coefficients of performance than the conventional absorption cycle even though at the penalty of higher pump work. Such systems seem to be especially attractive when low condensing temperatures are possible and relatively high temperature heat sources (e.g. concentrators, advanced flat plate collectors) are available.