Abstract This paper describes a zeolite-water adsorption refrigeration system for producing chilled water, in which zeolite-13X-H 2 O is used as a working pair and the exhaust gas from a diesel engine is utilized as a heat source. The system is to be used on a fishing boat for preserving aquatic products. The design of the system is given. The adsorption unit consists of many adsorption elements. The dynamic curve of the elements has been measured in a laboratory. A medium-size prototype of the adsorption chiller has been made, and its preliminary operating performance with an associated diesel engine is given. Further testing of its application is underway.