Linear and Annular Fresnel Collectors: Recent Developments and Performance Optimization

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions has driven significant advancements in solar energy harvesting technologies. Among these, Fresnel lens-based solar collectors have emerged as a promising approach for enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in solar thermal applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest research on Fresnel lens technology, focusing on its application in linear Fresnel collectors (LFC), solar tracking systems, and annular Fresnel collectors (AFC). Innovations in optical design, thermal efficiency, and hybrid applications (e.g., cogeneration, desalination) are analyzed, highlighting performance improvements and industrial viability. The review also highlights key experimental and theoretical studies that have contributed to the advancement of Fresnel lens-based solar systems. Key experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that optimized Fresnel configurations and tracking mechanisms enhance energy output by 15–30%, balancing cost and land-use efficiency. The findings suggest that continuous improvements in Fresnel lens configurations and integration with tracking mechanisms have significantly improved their overall efficiency, making them viable solutions for large-scale solar energy applications.