Review of key factors for optimizing the thermal performance of parabolic dish solar collectors

As global energy demand increases, the need to adopt renewable sources becomes more urgent, making solar energy a crucial element in developing sustainable thermal technologies. Parabolic dish collectors (PDCs) stand out among concentrated solar collectors due to their high efficiency and reliability. This review analyzes 235 pieces of literature on PDCs from 2015 to 2025 using the Scopus database. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method provides a structured framework for systematically identifying, screening, and selecting relevant studies. Key factors influencing PDC performance are examined, including receiver design, fins, thermal energy storage, type of heat transfer fluid, mass flow rate, reflector material, and atmospheric conditions. Optimizing the integration of fins, nanofluids, phase change materials, fluid flow configurations, and hybrid energy systems has the potential to significantly enhance system efficiency. Despite notable advancements, several research gaps persist in PDC technology, offering promising avenues for future investigation. Unlike earlier reviews that focus on individual aspects, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of PDC performance enhancement strategies. It offers an integrated view of design and operational parameters, highlighting novel optimization techniques and hybrid configurations that have not been thoroughly addressed earlier. This review highlights emerging research trends that could drive innovation in solar energy. Thus, PDCs demonstrate strong potential to improve thermal system performance and play a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainable energy.