A comprehensive review of exergy analysis of solar parabolic dish collector systems

• An overview of exergy performance of solar parabolic dish collector systems is done. • The behavior of solar parabolic dish collectors in various applications is evaluated. • The main source of exergy degradation is related to receivers in range of 35–60%. • The review shows that parabolic dish collectors can make proper energy solutions. • The future research priorities and suggestions for future works are proposed. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the exergy performance of solar parabolic dish collector systems, which are a key technology in concentrated solar power due to their concentration ratio, high thermal efficiency, and low heat losses. This paper reviewed approximately 180 studies published between 2008 and 2025. The analysis and design of PDCs were carried out to evaluate the behavior of solar parabolic dish collectors in various applications, including solar cookers, photovoltaic-thermal systems, and hybrid systems for heating, cooling, hydrogen production, power generation, and desalination. According to the studies, the reported thermal efficiency of PDCs was between 45–89%, while the exergy efficiency was estimated between 5–24% depending on the receiver geometry, heat transfer fluid, and operating conditions. This value has been reported to be up to 50% for hybrid configurations and more than 90% for advanced thermodynamic cycles (Rankine, Organic Rankine, Brayton, and Stirling) under optimal conditions. The main sources of exergy degradation in receivers were identified as 35–60% and reflectors as 15–25%. In this study, key influencing factors such as receiver geometry, heat transfer fluids, operating lines, and system integration were systematically discussed and it is shown that the use of nanofluids and phase change materials can improve the exergy efficiency by up to 30%. Also, the combined integration with thermodynamic cycles further enhanced the overall system performance. This study demonstrated that parabolic dish collectors can provide sustainable and versatile energy solutions. The study also identified future research priorities in design, advanced thermal materials and exergoeconomic optimization to further improve efficiency and reproducibility under different operating conditions.