Recent Developments on Design and Thermal Performance Enhancement of Parabolic Dish Solar Concentrators: A Review

This paper provides a comprehensive review of advancements in parabolic dish concentrators (PDCs), focusing on their design, optical performance, and integration into various energy applications. PDCs are characterized by high concentration ratios (1000–3000), making them particularly well-suited for small-scale power generation in remote areas. The paper highlights key improvements in receiver designs, examining how different geometrical configurations influence thermal efficiency and the role of nanofluids and phase change materials (PCMs) in enhancing heat transfer. Additionally, the review explores the applications of PDCs in solar drying and desiccant regeneration, showcasing their versatility in meeting thermal energy demands in sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. By synthesizing recent research findings, this paper aims to identify critical challenges and propose future research directions, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of efficient and sustainable solar thermal technologies.