Comparative analysis of conventional and low-GWP refrigerants with ionic liquid used for compression-assisted absorption cooling cycles

•Low-GWP refrigerants are studied for compression-assisted single-effect absorption cooling cycles.•Different hydrofluorocarbons and hydrofluoroolefins are paired with ionic liquid as alternative working fluids.•Difluoromethane has the highest COPs while 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene has the lowest in most conditions.•Compression ratios are optimized to be 1.9–3.4 with the maximum COPs of 0.546–0.663.•Low-pressure compression-assisted absorption cooling cycle features high efficiency and low discharge temperature.