• A novel NDASC design uses functional optical coatings on the outer surface to control energy flow and suppress high-temperature thermal losses.
• Optimal thermal performance is achieved at a nanofluid absorption coefficient of 80 m−1; a local Sn-In2O3 coating improves efficiency by 7.8% at 400 K.
• Hybrid Sn-In2O3/WTi-Al2O3 coatings with optimized coverage angles increase thermal efficiency by 10.22%–17.9% over the uncoated NDASC.
• The proposed strategy outperforms traditional surface-type collectors by 7.6%–19.5%, validating its effectiveness for next-generation solar harvesting.