In this paper, a theoretical analysis on the performance of a thermally driven two-stage four-bed adsorption chiller utilizing low-grade waste heat of temperatures between 50°C and 70°C in combination with a heat sink (cooling water) of 30°C for air-conditioning applications has been described. Activated carbon (AC) of type Maxsorb III/HFC-134a pair has been examined as an adsorbent/refrigerant pair. FORTRAN simulation program is developed to analyze the influence of operating conditions (hot and cooling water temperatures and adsorption/desorption cycle times) on the cycle performance in terms of cooling capacity and COP. The main advantage of this two-stage chiller is that it can be operational with smaller regenerating temperature lifts than other heat-driven single-stage chillers. Simulation results shows that the two-stage chiller can be operated effectively with heat sources of 50°C and 70°C in combination with a coolant at 30°C. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.