In this work, an experimental and theoretical investigation of a frozen and hot water production unit with direct gas absorption is developed. Water/ammonia couple is used. A particular interest is given to the system performances evaluation such as exergetic efficiency and total exergy loss. Parameters analyzed are coefficients of performance, irreversibility and exergetic efficiency. Results show that the machine can reach a COP up to 65% and exergetic efficiency up to 18% for a working temperature and a condensation temperature of 120 degrees C and 18 degrees C, respectively. These performances decrease for a condensation temperature of 37 degrees C and 47 degrees C. Indeed, the engine is less efficient and presents more irreversibility, which is major in the pre-absorber and the absorber. An improvement of the machine cycle is proposed, in order to adapt it to low grade heat sources, using a compressor upstream of the pre-absorber. Performances of the new hybrid cycle are better than those of the real cycle. 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC.