A Comprehensive Review of Design, Components and Application of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22399/ijcesen.5128Keywords:
Solar Energy, Parabolic Trough Collector, Receiver, Absorber, Heat Transfer Fluid, Tracking SystemAbstract
Solar energy is a potential clean alternative source which can fulfill the world electrical and thermal energy requirements. One of the leading technologies in the solar industry is the parabolic trough collector (PTC) which is critical in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of solar energy production. These systems incorporate linear concentrating designs that direct the solar beam toward a receiver that typically carries a heat-transfer fluid, then converts collected energy into usable thermal power or electricity. The review covers various aspects of the parabolic trough collector, including design, effects of the reflecting material used, performance of various heat transfer fluids, novel receiver and sun-tracking systems. Moreover, it goes into research on the use of PTC on residential systems and on industrial-scale applications, mentioning the parabolic trough collector as the most important technology of concentrated solar power of the present time.
References
[1] Imran Khan M, Asfand F, Al-Ghamdi SG. Progress in research and technological advancements of commercial concentrated solar thermal power plants. Solar Energy 2023;249:183–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2022.10.041
[2] Ghodbane M, Boumeddane B, Hussain F, Zhar R, Lahrech K, Bhatti J, et al. Evaluation of the design and optical errors for a parabolic trough collector field in an Algerian desert region: Gassi-Touil as a study area. Energy Reports 2022;8:15326–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.11.024.
[3] Ahmad A, Prakash O, Kausher R, Kumar G, Pandey S, Hasnain SMM. Parabolic trough solar collectors: A sustainable and efficient energy source. Mater Sci Energy Technol 2024;7:99–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mset.2023.08.002.
[4] Abed N, Afgan I. An extensive review of various technologies for enhancing the thermal and optical performances of parabolic trough collectors. Int J Energy Res 2020;44:5117–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.5271.
[5] Suman S, Khan MK, Pathak M. Performance enhancement of solar collectors - A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2015;49:192–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.087.
[6] Rashid FL, Aljibori HS, Mohammed HI, Ameen A, Ahmad S, Ben Hamida MB, et al. Recent advances and developments of the application of hybrid nanofluids in parabolic solar collector energy systems and guidelines for future prospects. Journal of Engineering Research (Kuwait) 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2024.04.023.
[7] Gayen D, Chatterjee R, Roy S. A review on environmental impacts of renewable energy for sustainable development. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 2024;21:5285–310. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-023-05380-z.
[8] Gharat P V., Bhalekar SS, Dalvi VH, Panse S V., Deshmukh SP, Joshi JB. Chronological development of innovations in reflector systems of parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) - A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2021;145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111002.
[9] Masoom A, Kosmopoulos P, Bansal A, Kazadzis S. Solar Energy Estimations in India Using Remote Sensing Technologies and Validation with Sun Photometers in Urban Areas. Remote Sens (Basel) 2020;12:254. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12020254.
[10] Dhimish M, Mather P. Exploratory evaluation of solar radiation and ambient temperature in twenty locations distributed in United Kingdom. Urban Clim 2019;27:179–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2018.12.001.
[11] Obalalu AM, Memon MA, Olayemi OA, Olilima J, Fenta A. Enhancing heat transfer in solar-powered ships: a study on hybrid nanofluids with carbon nanotubes and their application in parabolic trough solar collectors with electromagnetic controls. Sci Rep 2023;13:9476. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36716-x.
[12] Pandey A, Pandey P, Tumuluru JS. Solar Energy Production in India and Commonly Used Technologies—An Overview. Energies (Basel) 2022;15:500. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15020500.
[13] Sahoo SK. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews solar photovoltaic energy progress in India: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2016;59:927–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.01.049.
[14] Mistri* PM, Pathak DKA. A Scientific Pore over a Solar Cooking Systems. International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE) 2020;8:148–53. https://doi.org/10.35940/ijrte.E6883.038620.
[15] Mistri PM, Pathak K, Kumar Satankar R. Building and Performance Evaluation of Novel Solar Cooking System in Gujarat, India. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci 2021;795:012015. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/795/1/012015.
[16] Prakash O, Ahmad A, Kumar A, Chatterjee R, Sharma S, Alayi R, et al. The compressive study of energy security prospects in India through Solar Power. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies 2022. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijlct/ctac075.
[17] Fredriksson J, Eickhoff M, Giese L, Herzog M. A comparison and evaluation of innovative parabolic trough collector concepts for large-scale application. Solar Energy 2021;215:266–310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.12.017
[18] Natividade PSG, de Moraes Moura G, Avallone E, Bandarra Filho EP, Gelamo RV, Gonçalves JC de SI. Experimental analysis applied to an evacuated tube solar collector equipped with parabolic concentrator using multilayer graphene-based nanofluids. Renew Energy 2019;138:152–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.01.091.
[19] Arjunan TV, Selvaraj V, Matheswaran MM. Solar Thermal Conversion Technologies for Industrial Process Heating. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2023. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003263326.
[20] Rosales-Pérez JF, Villarruel-Jaramillo A, Pérez-García M, Cardemil JM, Escobar R. Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar thermal systems with flat plate and parabolic trough collectors in industrial applications. Alexandria Engineering Journal 2024;86:98–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2023.11.056.
[21] Omeiza LA, Abid M, Dhanasekaran A, Subramanian Y, Raj V, Kozak K, et al. Application of solar thermal collectors for energy consumption in public buildings – An updated technical review. Journal of Engineering Research 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jer.2023.09.011.
[22] Rosales-Pérez JF, Villarruel-Jaramillo A, Romero-Ramos JA, Pérez-García M, Cardemil JM, Escobar R. Hybrid System of Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Technologies for Industrial Process Heat. Energies (Basel) 2023;16:2220. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052220.
[23] Kalogirou SA. Solar thermal collectors and applications. Prog Energy Combust Sci 2004;30:231–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2004.02.001.
[24] Himanshu R. Patel, Vikram B. Patel, Anil R. Chaudhari. A Comprehensive Review on Design aspects and Performance Characteristics of Solar Parabolic Trough Collector. International Journal of Renewable Energy Research 2022;12. https://doi.org/10.20508/ijrer.v12i3.12999.g8541.
[25] Hamzat AK, Omisanya MI, Sahin AZ, Ropo Oyetunji O, Abolade Olaitan N. Application of nanofluid in solar energy harvesting devices: A comprehensive review. Energy Convers Manag 2022;266:115790. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115790.
[26] Faheem M, Jizhan L, Akram MW, Khan MU, Yongphet P, Tayyab M, et al. Design optimization, fabrication, and performance evaluation of solar parabolic trough collector for domestic applications. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects 2020:1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2020.1806407.
[27] Egerer U, Dana S, Jager D, Stanislawski BJ, Xia G, Yellapantula S. Field measurements reveal insights into the impact of turbulent wind on loads experienced by parabolic trough solar collectors. Solar Energy 2024;280:112860. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2024.112860.
[28] Wong WP, Walvekar R, Vaka M, Khalid M, Mubarak NM. A Review on CSP and CPVT Technologies: Energy, Economic Analysis and Recycling towards Circular Economy. ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology 2023;12:031012. https://doi.org/10.1149/2162-8777/acc4e6.
[29] Al-Rabeeah AY, Seres I, Farkas I. Recent Improvements Of The Optical And Thermal Performance Of The Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Systems. Facta Universitatis, Series: Mechanical Engineering 2022;20:73–94. https://doi.org/10.22190/FUME201106030A.
[30] Wang X, Luo S, Tang T, Liu X, He Y. A MCRT-FVM-FEM coupled simulation for optical-thermal-structural analysis of parabolic trough solar collectors. Energy Procedia 2019;158:477–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2019.01.138.
[31] Simeu CT, Njomo D, Chara-Dackou VS, Babikir MH. Comparative study of thermal performance improvement of parabolic trough solar collector using different heat transfer fluids, economic and environmental analysis of power generation. Results in Engineering 2024;23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102353.
[32] Shaaban FM, Abdel-Salam MF, Farroh KY, Wang H, Atia MF. Thermal Performance Analysis of an Indirect Solar Cooker Using a Graphene Oxide Nanofluid. Sustainability 2024;16. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062539.
[33] Sefiani HM, Bouzit F, Elmeriah A, Bouddou R, Salau AO, alouache B, et al. Thermal performance enhancement of elliptical absorbers in cylindrical-parabolic solar collectors: A CFD-Based comparative study. Sci Afr 2025;28:e02664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02664.
[34] Upadhyay BH, Patel AJ, Ramana P V. A detailed review on solar parabolic trough collector. International Journal of Ambient Energy 2022;43:176–96. https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.2019.1636869.
[35] Gharat P V., Bhalekar SS, Dalvi VH, Panse S V., Deshmukh SP, Joshi JB. Analysis of Several Parabolic Trough Collector Structures Using Finite Element Analysis and Multicriteria Decision-Making Method, 2023, p. 341–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2279-6_29.
[36] Murtuza SA, Byregowda HV, H MMA, Imran M. Experimental and simulation studies of parabolic trough collector design for obtaining solar energy. Resource-Efficient Technologies 2017;3:414–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reffit.2017.03.003.
[37] Kapsikar S, Kulkarni GN, Selmokar PH. Analytical characterization of improvised design of parabolic trough solar collector. Mater. Today Proc., vol. 72, Elsevier Ltd; 2023, p. 1847–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.10.044.
[38] Forman P, Müller S, Ahrens MA, Schnell J, Mark P, Höffer R, et al. Light concrete shells for parabolic trough collectors - Conceptual design, prototype and proof of accuracy. Solar Energy 2015;111:364–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2014.11.002.
[39] Upadhyay BH, Patel AJ, Sadasivuni KK, Mistry JM, Ramana P V., Panchal H, et al. Design, development and techno economic analysis of novel parabolic trough collector for low-temperature water heating applications. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2021;26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2021.100978.
[40] Singh M, Sharma MK, Bhattacharya J. Design methodology of a parabolic trough collector field for maximum annual energy yield. Renew Energy 2021;177:229–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.05.102.
[41] Shaaban S. Performance optimization of an integrated solar combined cycle for the cogeneration of electricity and fresh water. Renew Energy 2024;227:120482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.120482
[42] Natraj, Rao BN, Reddy KS. Wind load and structural analysis for standalone solar parabolic trough collector. Renew Energy 2021;173:688–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.04.007.
[43] Hafez AZ, Attia AM, Eltwab HS, ElKousy AO, Afifi AA, AbdElhamid AG, et al. Design analysis of solar parabolic trough thermal collectors. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2018;82:1215–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.010.
[44] Alhamayani A. Performance analysis and machine learning algorithms of parabolic trough solar collectors using Al2O3-MWCNT as a hybrid nanofluid. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2024;57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104321.
[45] AbdEl-Rady Abu-Zeid M, Elhenawy Y, Bassyouni M, Majozi T, Toderas M, Al-Qabandi OA, et al. Performance enhancement of flat-plate and parabolic trough solar collector using nanofluid for water heating application. Results in Engineering 2024;21:101673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101673.
[46] Arun M, Barik D, Ahmad H, Alraddadi I, Shenashen MA, A. Khan Z. Parabolic trough solar collector technology using TiO2 nanofluids with dimpled tubes. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2024;61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104840.
[47] Oketola T, Mwesigye A. Numerical investigation of the overall thermal and thermodynamic performance of a high concentration ratio parabolic trough solar collector with a novel modified twisted tape insert using supercritical CO2 as the working fluid. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress 2024;51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2024.102592.
[48] Al-Rabeeah AY, Seres I, Farkas I. Experimental investigation of parabolic trough solar collector thermal efficiency enhanced with different absorber coatings. International Journal of Thermofluids 2023;19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijft.2023.100386.
[49] Natraj, Reddy KS. Investigations of thermo-structural instability on the performance of solar parabolic trough collectors. Renew Energy 2023;202:381–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.11.068.
[50] Dou L, Ding B, Zhang Q, Kou G, Mu M. Numerical investigation on the thermal performance of parabolic trough solar collector with synthetic oil/Cu nanofluids. Appl Therm Eng 2023;227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120376.
[51] Darbari B, Derikvand M, Shabani B. Thermal performance improvement of a LS-2 parabolic trough solar collector using porous disks. Appl Therm Eng 2023;228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2023.120546.
[52] Al-Rabeeah AY, Seres I, Farkas I. Experimental investigation of improved parabolic trough solar collector thermal efficiency using novel receiver geometry design. International Journal of Thermofluids 2023;18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijft.2023.100344.
[53] Ram S, Ganesan H, Saini V, Kumar A. Performance assessment of a parabolic trough solar collector using nanofluid and water based on direct absorption. Renew Energy 2023;214:11–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.06.016.
[54] Nagamani Prabu A, Revathi N, Kumar A, Fatima A, Mohamed Abdulla I, Ubaidullah M, et al. Analysing the design, fabrication, and performance of a compact parabolic trough collector equipped with a shell-type receiver made from a variety of metals and introduced with single slope solar still. J King Saud Univ Sci 2023;35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102844.
[55] Omidi B, Rahbar N, Kargarsharifabad H, Poolaei Moziraji Z. Performance evaluation of a solar desalination-hot water system using heat pipe vacuum tube parabolic trough solar collector – An experimental study with Taguchi analysis. Energy Convers Manag 2023;292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117347.
[56] Praveen RP, Chandra Mouli KVV. Performance enhancement of parabolic trough collector solar thermal power plants with thermal energy storage capability. Ain Shams Engineering Journal 2022;13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2022.101716.
[57] Shaker B, Gholinia M, Pourfallah M, Ganji DD. CFD analysis of Al2O3-syltherm oil Nanofluid on parabolic trough solar collector with a new flange-shaped turbulator model. Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Letters 2022;12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taml.2022.100323.
[58] Natraj, Rao BN, Reddy KS. Optical and structural optimization of a large aperture solar parabolic trough collector. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2022;53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2022.102418.
[59] Stanek B, Węcel D, Bartela Ł, Rulik S. Solar tracker error impact on linear absorbers efficiency in parabolic trough collector – Optical and thermodynamic study. Renew Energy 2022;196:598–609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2022.07.021.
[60] Othman F Ben, Fadhel A, Balghouthi M. Sustainable olive-oil mill wastewater treatment by distillation using a parabolic trough solar collector. Journal of Water Process Engineering 2022;48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2022.102947.
[61] Marcotte P, Manning K. Development of an Advanced Large-aperture Parabolic Trough Collector. Energy Procedia 2014;49:145–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EGYPRO.2014.03.016.
[62] Paetzold J, Cochard S, Fletcher DF, Vassallo A. Wind Engineering Analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors to Optimise Wind Loads and Heat Loss. Energy Procedia 2015;69:168–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EGYPRO.2015.03.020.
[63] Farr A, Gee R. The SkyTroughTM Parabolic Trough Solar Collector. ASME 2009 3rd International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Volume 2, ASMEDC; 2009, p. 573–80. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2009-90090.
[64] Alamr MA, Gomaa MR. A Review of Parabolic Trough Collector (PTC): Application and Performance Comparison. International Journal of Applied Sciences & Development 2022;1:24–34. https://doi.org/10.37394/232029.2022.1.4.
[65] Saini P, Dhar A, Powar S. Performance evaluation of a parabolic trough collector with a uniform helical wire coil flow insert. Results in Engineering 2024;21:101794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2024.101794.
[66] Qiu Y, Xu Y, Li Q, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu B. Efficiency enhancement of a solar trough collector by combining solar and hot mirrors. Appl Energy 2021;299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117290.
[67] Shajan S, Baiju V. Designing a novel small-scale parabolic trough solar thermal collector with secondary reflector for uniform heat flux distribution. Appl Therm Eng 2022;213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118660.
[68] Yuan G, Fan J, Kong W, Furbo S, Perers B, Sallaberry F. Experimental and computational fluid dynamics investigations of tracking CPC solar collectors. Solar Energy 2020;199:26–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.01.090
[69] Jensen AR, Sifnaios I, Caringal GP, Furbo S, Dragsted J. Thermal performance assessment of the world’s first solar thermal Fresnel lens collector field. Solar Energy 2022;237:447–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2022.01.067
[70] Vinay Prakash E, Kumar Rai A. Energetic and Exergetic Analysis of Solar PTC with different reflector material. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology (IJMET) 2017;8:1–08.
[71] Jamali H. Investigation and review of mirrors reflectance in parabolic trough solar collectors (PTSCs). Energy Reports 2019;5:145–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2019.01.006.
[72] Hassan MA. Thermal Management and Performance Enhancement of Parabolic Trough Concentrators Using Nanofluids. In: Mohsen Sheikholeslami, editor. Nanotechnology Applications for Solar Energy Systems, Wiley; 2023, p. 125–44. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119791232.ch6.
[73] Hoseinzadeh H, Kasaeian A, Behshad Shafii M. Geometric optimization of parabolic trough solar collector based on the local concentration ratio using the Monte Carlo method. Energy Convers Manag 2018;175:278–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.09.001.
[74] Büker MS, Parlamış H, Alwetaishi M, Benjeddou O. Experimental investigation on the dehumidification performance of a parabolic trough solar air collector assisted rotary desiccant system. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2022;34:102077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2022.102077.
[75] Zhao K, Jin H, Gai Z, Hong H. A thermal efficiency-enhancing strategy of parabolic trough collector systems by cascadingly applying multiple solar selective-absorbing coatings. Appl Energy 2022;309:118508. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2021.118508.
[76] Anwar M, Wasim A, Ali M, Hussain S, Jahanzaib M. Experimental Analysis of Parabolic Trough Collector System with Multiple Receiver Geometries and Reflective Materials. Thermal Science 2021;25:1611–22. https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI191202216A.
[77] Pal RK, Ravi Kumar K. Two-fluid modeling of direct steam generation in the receiver of parabolic trough solar collector with non-uniform heat flux. Energy 2021;226:120308. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2021.120308.
[78] Nascimento FI, Zavaleta-Aguilar EW, Simões-Moreira JR. Algorithm for sizing parabolic-trough solar collectors. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress 2021;24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2021.100932.
[79] Reddy KS, Ananthsornaraj C. Design, development and performance investigation of solar Parabolic Trough Collector for large-scale solar power plants. Renew Energy 2020;146:1943–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2019.07.158.
[80] Bellos E, Tzivanidis C, Said Z. A systematic parametric thermal analysis of nanofluid-based parabolic trough solar collectors. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2020;39:100714. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SETA.2020.100714.
[81] Pustovalov VK. Solid nanostructured materials and solar collectors for efficient absorption of intense solar radiation and their application. Photonics Nanostruct 2025;65:101404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.photonics.2025.101404.
[82] Alsaady M, Fu R, Yan Y, Liu Z, Wu S, Boukhanouf R. An Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Ferrofluids on the Efficiency of Novel Parabolic Trough Solar Collector Under Laminar Flow Conditions. Heat Transfer Engineering 2019;40:753–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/01457632.2018.1442309.
[83] Asaad Yasseen AR, Istvan S, Istvan F. Selective Absorber Coatings and Technological Advancements in Performance Enhancement for Parabolic Trough Solar Collector. Journal of Thermal Science 2022;31:1990–2008. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11630-022-1634-5.
[84] Osorio JD, Rivera-Alvarez A. Performance analysis of Parabolic Trough Collectors with Double Glass Envelope. Renew Energy 2019;130:1092–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.06.024.
[85] Sandá A, Moya SL, Valenzuela L. Modelling and simulation tools for direct steam generation in parabolic-trough solar collectors: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2019;113:109226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.06.033.
[86] Elwekeel FNM, Abdala AMM. Numerical analysis of the heat transfer performance of the absorber tube of a parabolic trough solar collector using the swirling flow technique. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2024;60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104801.
[87] Karaağaç MO, Akıncı B, Ergün A. Enhancing the performance of parabolic trough solar collectors: Cost-effective innovative designs for sustainable energy harvesting. Appl Therm Eng 2024;253:123693. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.123693.
[88] Sharma BK, Kumar A, Almohsen B, Fernandez-Gamiz U. Computational analysis of radiative heat transfer due to rotating tube in parabolic trough solar collectors with Darcy Forchheimer porous medium. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2023;51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103642.
[89] Shafiey Dehaj M, Rezaeian M, Mousavi D, Shamsi S, Salarmofrad M. Efficiency of the parabolic through solar collector using NiFe2O4/Water nanofluid and U-tube. J Taiwan Inst Chem Eng 2021;120:136–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2021.02.029.
[90] Hameed VM. Investigating Study of New Enhanced Parabolic Solar Collector Trough. IOP Conf Ser Mater Sci Eng 2021;1094:012102. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/1094/1/012102.
[91] Norouzi AM, Siavashi M, Ahmadi R, Tahmasbi M. Experimental study of a parabolic trough solar collector with rotating absorber tube. Renew Energy 2021;168:734–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RENENE.2020.12.088.
[92] Thappa S, Chauhan A, Anand Y, Anand S. Analytical comparison of two distinct receiver tubes of a parabolic trough solar collector system for thermal application. Mater Today Proc 2020;28:2212–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MATPR.2020.04.257.
[93] Singh SK, Tiwari AK, Paliwal HK. Performance augmentation strategy of Parabolic trough collector by employing MXene-based solar absorbing coating. Process Safety and Environmental Protection 2023;174:971–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PSEP.2023.05.007.
[94] Gao XH, Qiu XL, Li XT, Theiss W, Chen BH, Guo HX, et al. Structure, thermal stability and optical simulation of ZrB 2 based spectrally selective solar absorber coatings. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 2019;193:178–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2018.12.040.
[95] Wang X, Yu X, Fu S, Lee E, Kekalo K, Liu J. Design and optimization of nanoparticle-pigmented solar selective absorber coatings for high-temperature concentrating solar thermal systems. J Appl Phys 2018;123. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5009252.
[96] Usmani B, Dixit A. Spectrally selective response of ZrOx/ZrC-ZrN/Zr absorber-reflector tandem structures on stainless steel and copper substrates for high temperature solar thermal applications. Solar Energy 2016;134:353–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2016.05.014
[97] Usmani B, Vijay V, Chhibber R, Dixit A. Investigation of ZrO x /ZrC–ZrN/Zr thin-film structural evolution and their degradation using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectrometry. Applied Physics A 2016;122:992. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-016-0523-8.
[98] Sandeep HM, Arunachala UC. Solar parabolic trough collectors: A review on heat transfer augmentation techniques. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2017;69:1218–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.11.242.
[99] Demagh Y, Bordja I, Kabar Y, Benmoussa H. A design method of an S-curved parabolic trough collector absorber with a three-dimensional heat flux density distribution. Solar Energy 2015;122:873–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2015.10.002
[100] Chavez Panduro EA, Finotti F, Largiller G, Lervåg KY. A review of the use of nanofluids as heat-transfer fluids in parabolic-trough collectors. Appl Therm Eng 2022;211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2022.118346.
[101] Benrezkallah A, Marif Y, Soudani ME, Belhadj MM, Hamidatou T, Mekhloufi N, et al. Thermal performance evaluation of the parabolic trough solar collector using nanofluids: A case study in the desert of Algeria. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2024;60:104797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104797.
[102] Sefiani HM, Bouzit F, Elmeriah A, Bouddou R, Salau AO, alouache B, et al. Thermal performance enhancement of elliptical absorbers in cylindrical-parabolic solar collectors: A CFD-Based comparative study. Sci Afr 2025;28:e02664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02664.
[103] Alhamayani A, Al-lehaibi M. The effect of adding hybrid nanoparticles (Al2O3–TiO2) on the performance of parabolic trough solar collectors using different thermal oils and molten salts. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2024;59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2024.104593.
[104] Sorel Chara-Dackou V, Njomo D, Tchinda R, Hassane Babikir M, Simplice Kondji Y. Thermal performance analysis of the parabolic trough solar collector in the Sub-Saharan climate of the Central African Republic. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2023;58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2023.103331.
[105] Gupta SK, Saxena A. A progressive review of hybrid nanofluid utilization in solar parabolic trough collector. Mater Today Proc 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.06.204.
[106] Vuggirala M, Alagappan N, Moorthy CHVKNSN. The role of nanofluids in the performance augmentation for the solar collectors used in solar water heating. International Journal of Ambient Energy 2023;44:2305–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/01430750.2023.2234376.
[107] AlZahrani AA, Dincer I. Energy and exergy analyses of a parabolic trough solar power plant using carbon dioxide power cycle. Energy Convers Manag 2018;158:476–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.12.071.
[108] Kumar V, Ram S. Investigation of a parabolic trough solar collector utilising nanofluid and DIW: A relative study. Mater. Today Proc., vol. 69, Elsevier Ltd; 2022, p. 425–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.071.
[109] Manikandan GK, Iniyan S, Goic R. Enhancing the optical and thermal efficiency of a parabolic trough collector – A review. Appl Energy 2019;235:1524–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.11.048.
[110] Kuttybay N, Mekhilef S, Koshkarbay N, Saymbetov A, Nurgaliyev M, Dosymbetova G, et al. Assessment of solar tracking systems: A comprehensive review. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2024;68:103879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2024.103879.
[111] Jensen AR, Sifnaios I, Furbo S, Dragsted J. Self-shading of two-axis tracking solar collectors: Impact of field layout, latitude, and aperture shape. Solar Energy 2022;236:215–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2022.02.023
[112] Lan J. Development And Performance Test Of A Novel Solar Tracking Sensor. Metrology and Measurement Systems 2023;30:289–303. https://doi.org/10.24425/mms.2023.144870.
[113] Masoumi AP, Bagherian V, Tavakolpour-Saleh AR, Masoomi E. A new two-axis solar tracker based on the online optimization method: Experimental investigation and neural network modeling. Energy and AI 2023;14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2023.100284.
[114] Bamisile O, Cai D, Adun H, Adedeji M, Dagbasi M, Dika F, et al. A brief review and comparative evaluation of nanofluid application in solar parabolic trough and flat plate collectors. Energy Reports 2022;8:156–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.08.078.
[115] Saldivar-Aguilera TQ, Valentín-Coronado LM, Peña-Cruz MI, Diaz-Ponce A, Dena-Aguilar JA. Novel closed-loop dual control algorithm for solar trackers of parabolic trough collector systems. Solar Energy 2023;259:381–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2023.05.024
[116] Elsayed AA, Khalil EE, Kassem MA, Huzzayin OA. A novel mechanical solar tracking mechanism with single axis of tracking for developing countries. Renew Energy 2021;170:1129–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2021.02.058.
[117] Ghassoul M. A dual solar tracking system based on a light to frequency converter using a microcontroller. Fuel Communications 2020;6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfueco.2020.10.
[118] Qu W, Wang R, Hong H, Sun J, Jin H. Test of a solar parabolic trough collector with rotatable axis tracking. Appl Energy 2017;207:7–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.114.
[119] Ruelas A, Velázquez N, Villa-Angulo C, Acuña A, Rosales P, Suastegui J. A solar position sensor based on image vision. Sensors (Switzerland) 2017;17. https://doi.org/10.3390/s17081742.
[120] Asif M. Handbook of Energy Transitions. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2022. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003315353.
[121] Sarbu I, Sebarchievici C. A Comprehensive Review of Thermal Energy Storage. Sustainability 2018;10:191. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10010191.
[122] Lebedev VA, Amer AE. Limitations of using phase change materials for thermal energy storage. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci 2019;378:012044. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/378/1/012044.
[123] Leong KY, Abdul Rahman MR, Gurunathan BA. Nano-enhanced phase change materials: A review of thermo-physical properties, applications and challenges. J Energy Storage 2019;21:18–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2018.11.008.
[124] Hoseinzadeh S, Ghasemiasl R, Havaei D, Chamkha AJ. Numerical investigation of rectangular thermal energy storage units with multiple phase change materials. J Mol Liq 2018;271:655–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2018.08.128.
[125] Stutz B, Le Pierres N, Kuznik F, Johannes K, Palomo Del Barrio E, Bédécarrats J-P, et al. Storage of thermal solar energy. C R Phys 2017;18:401–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crhy.2017.09.008.
[126] Bagherzadeh K, Piroozmand V, Ahmadi R. Cascading latent heat thermal energy storage in parabolic trough solar collector as a promising solution: An experimental investigation. Energy Convers Manag 2024;300:117942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117942.
[127] Mohanavel V, Logesh K, Sharma P, Venkatesh R, Hossain I, Soudagar MEM, et al. Silicon porous disc featured parabolic trough collector functioned with paraffin: Thermal performance study. Appl Therm Eng 2024;257:124392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124392.
[128] Koželj R, Mlakar U, Zavrl E, Stritih U, Stropnik R. An experimental and numerical analysis of an improved thermal storage tank with encapsulated PCM for use in retrofitted buildings for heating. Energy Build 2021;248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.111196.
[129] Crespo A, Barreneche C, Ibarra M, Platzer W. Latent thermal energy storage for solar process heat applications at medium-high temperatures – A review. Solar Energy 2019;192:3–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SOLENER.2018.06.101.
[130] Mhedheb T, Hassen W, Mhimid A, Almeshaal MA, Alhadri M, Kolsi L. Parametric analysis of a solar parabolic trough collector integrated with hybrid-nano PCM storage tank. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2023;51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103652.
[131] Yeh C-Y, Boonk KJF, Sadeghi G, Mehrali M, Shahi M, Brem G, et al. Experimental and numerical analysis of thermal performance of shape stabilized PCM in a solar thermal collector. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering 2022;30:101706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2021.101706.
[132] Hinojosa JF, Moreno SF, Maytorena VM. Low-Temperature Applications of Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage: A Descriptive Review. Energies (Basel) 2023;16:3078. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073078.
[133] Helmi N, Nazari A, Bezaatpour M, Nateghi S, Ghaebi H. Investigation of energy storage in parabolic rotary trough solar collectors using various porous fins with magnetic nanoparticles. Energy for Sustainable Development 2022;70:194–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2022.07.009.
[134] Algarni S, Mellouli S, Alqahtani T, Almutairi K, khan A, Anqi A. Experimental investigation of an evacuated tube solar collector incorporating nano-enhanced PCM as a thermal booster. Appl Therm Eng 2020;180:115831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.115831.
[135] Lamrani B, Kuznik F, Draoui A. Thermal performance of a coupled solar parabolic trough collector latent heat storage unit for solar water heating in large buildings. Renew Energy 2020;162:411–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.08.038.
[136] Mao Q, Liu N, Peng L. Numerical Investigations on Charging/Discharging Performance of a Novel Truncated Cone Thermal Energy Storage Tank on a Concentrated Solar Power System. International Journal of Photoenergy 2019;2019:1–17. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1609234.
[137] Ktistis PK, Agathokleous RA, Kalogirou SA. Experimental performance of a parabolic trough collector system for an industrial process heat application. Energy 2021;215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.119288.
[138] Retta HT, Hailu MH, Baheta AT, Haile MG. Design of an injera baking system using parabolic trough solar collectors at Mekelle University cafeteria. Heliyon 2024;10:e36864. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2024.E36864.
[139] Mohammadi K, Khanmohammadi S, Immonen J, Powell K. Techno-economic analysis and environmental benefits of solar industrial process heating based on parabolic trough collectors. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments 2021;47:101412. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SETA.2021.101412.
[140] Kizilkan O, Kabul A, Dincer I. Development and performance assessment of a parabolic trough solar collector-based integrated system for an ice-cream factory. Energy 2016;100:167–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENERGY.2016.01.098.
[141] Mistri PM, Pathak K, Satankar RK, Gamit JigarC. Experimental Analysis of Solar Parabolic Trough Collector for Novel Solar Cooking System in Gujarat, India. IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Sci 2023;1279:012002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1279/1/012002.
[142] Chantasiriwan S. Solar-aided power generation in biomass power plant using direct steam generating parabolic trough collectors. Energy Reports 2022;8:641–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.11.199.
[143] Zou B, Dong J, Yao Y, Jiang Y. An experimental investigation on a small-sized parabolic trough solar collector for water heating in cold areas. Appl Energy 2016;163:396–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.APENERGY.2015.10.186.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Computational and Experimental Science and Engineering
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
