FORM-2
THE PATENT ACT,1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
(As Amended)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10;rule 13)
"CONVERSION OF FIXED TILT MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE TO SEASONAL TILT MODULE MOUNTING
STRUCTURE"
TATA CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIMITED, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of India, of Unit No. NB 1502 & SB 1501,15th Floor, Empire Tower, Cloud City Campus, Opp. Reliable Tech Park, Thane-Belapur Road, Airoli, Navi Mumbai - 400 708, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

CONVERSION OF FIXED TILT MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE TO SEASONAL TILT MODULE MOUNTING STRUCTURE TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is related to a conversion system and a method associated with modifying angular tilt of photovoltaic cells that are assembled over purlins. More specifically, the subject matter described herein generally relates to the module mounting structure (MMS) of solar power plant and more particularly, to improve the generation of modules, a methodology is proposed in conversion of existing fixed tilt MMS to seasonal tilting MMS.
BACKGROUND
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In the current scenario, there are many old plants where photovoltaic cells are assembled on fixed assemblies to generate solar energy. However, since assemblies are fixed and it is not easy to maintain and tilt the assemblies based on the direction of sunlight with changing seasons, there is a significant reduction in energy in such conventional plants. Furthermore, in some cases there are limitations in available land for installation of the equipment for fixed tilt MMS, therefore, there is a need to form a method to address this situation and improve on the power generation from solar panels.
Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to improve the existing power plant generation by extra modular installation or by implementing any technology upgradation with least investment. There is a need for a system or method that addresses the issue of drilling or punching to main posts of the MMS during retrofitting, which can be avoided which eliminates structural interference and vibrations during drilling to the existing MMS. There is also a need for a unique arrangement consisting of hydraulic jack with special type

of holding arrangements to hold the entire purlin - module assembly firmly till the retrofitting is completed and landing on predefined fitment locations and enables execution of the conversion seamlessly without affecting the power generation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of subject matter embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the embodiments or to delineate the scope of the subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
A modular mounting system to convert a fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure is disclosed herein to address the above-mentioned problems. The modular mounting system demonstrates unique conversion of existing structure to a different geometry for enhanced performance for fulfilling the desired objective without increase in shadow effect. The modular mounting system comprises a column post, a rafter, a set of bracings, a collapsible stand, a clamping module, and at least one conversion assembly. The column post comprises a steel member positioned at an upper distal end of the column post and the rafter is positioned above the steel member to support multiple purlins that are configured to mount a plurality of photovoltaic modules, wherein the rafter includes holes drilled across length of the rafter. Each of the bracings extends from a lower section of the column post in an inclined manner to connect to the holes positioned on the rafter. The collapsible stand is positioned below and in contact with a triangular frame, which is selectively raised and lowered using a hydraulic jack to perform retrofitting operations of the modular mounting system at site so that the photovoltaic modules are repositioned to a predetermined optimum angle based on a change in season. The clamping module is positioned at a predefined angle to hold each purlin that is positioned across an inclined orientation of the rafter and the triangular frame. The clamping module clamps each purlin against wind initiated uplift forces and the

conversion assembly is positioned between each span that extends between two successive existing column posts. The conversion assembly holds the purlins on the modular mounting system for ease of work during the retrofitting operation.
In an embodiment, the modular mounting system further comprises at least two plates fixed opposingly across the lower section of the column post, wherein each bracing extends from each plate in an inclined manner to connect to the holes positioned on the rafter. In an embodiment, the collapsible stand comprises at least two rods that are hinged across each other, and the collapsible stand is selectively lowered and raised by the hydraulic jack fixed therein based on a height requirement for the modular mounting system during the retrofitting operations of the modular mounting system at site. In an embodiment, the modular mounting system further comprises a set of wheels, wherein each wheel is positioned at a lower end of each rod of the collapsible stand. The wheels are moveable in a horizontal direction along a length and width of the conversion assembly of the modular mounting system, and the wheels comprise a locking assembly to arrest unwanted movement. In an embodiment, the collapsible stand is a substantially ‘X’ shaped assembly comprising a triangular frame and the hydraulic jack, wherein the triangular frame supports each purlin at opposing ends of the purlin. The triangular frame is selectively raised and lowered using the hydraulic jack to perform retrofitting operations of the modular mounting system at the site. The hydraulic jack is controlled by a programmed based cloud operation to follow a same command-line in synchronisation with each other for uniform lifting and lowering of the triangular frame, which leads to raising of the purlins along with the photovoltaic modules during conversion and lowering of the purlins after conversion respectively.
In an embodiment, assembly comprising of the collapsible stand, the triangular frame, the clamping module, and the hydraulic jack is fixed on a firm ground to hold the purlins during execution of the retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at the site. In an embodiment, the modular mounting system further comprises a set of precast blocks. The set of precast blocks of calculated weight are placed in an inner section

of the triangular frame based on the angle of tilt and wind initiated uplift forces that act on the photovoltaic modules (solar panels), and the precast blocks counter the wind initiated uplift forces.
In an embodiment, the clamping module comprises an elongate Z shaped vertical member, multiple vertical plates, and multiple locking plates. Multiple vertical plates are attached to the elongate Z shaped vertical member at different points along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member. The multiple locking plates and corresponding keys are positioned at different sections along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member, wherein each locking plate and key fastens each purlin in a resting position on the triangular frame. In an embodiment, the clamping module counteracts against lateral undulations and vertical alignment issues of the purlins, where the clamping module encircles and holds each purlin in position to transfer wind loads, self-weight, and any incidental loads from each purlin to the firm ground via the triangular frame and collapsible stand.
In an embodiment, converting the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to the seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure comprising steps of: monitoring, prior to the retrofitting activity, actual weather conditions at the site to decide on low windy days and no rainy days; flattening entire area below table of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure by compaction to avoid any form of settlements; checking rear side access of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure for easy movement of the conversion assemblies; checking electrical connections and cablings within the modular mounting system to avoid free hanging cables, and wherein the cables are tied to the purlins; and checking connections between the rafter to the purlin and one purlin to the adjacent purlin for torque tightness.
In an embodiment, converting the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to the seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure further comprising steps of: locating elongate Z shaped vertical member as per position of the purlin in existing fixed tilt modular mounting structure; fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member using nut-bolt, wherein a slot is provided for the adjustment of purlin holding in case of any lateral undulations in purlin;

providing the triangular frame with hole for fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member; using clamping module to encircle existing purlin; lifting the triangular frame resting on collapsible stand by the hydraulic jack after disassembling joints between each rafter and each purlin; and disassembling rafters and bracings, wherein each purlin is being held by the conversion assembly, without stoppage in module power generation and electrical disconnection.
The following is the summarized version before/during the installation process associated with the modular mounting system (50):
1. Identifying existing fixed tilt MMS selected at Site,
2. For retrofitting activity, site actual weather monitoring is done to decide on low windy days and no rainy days,
3. Entire area below MMS table is made flat by compaction to avoid any kind of settlements,
4. Rear side access of MMS is checked for easy movement of assemblies,
5. Module to module electrical connections and cablings are checked. Free hanging cables are avoided as the cables are tied to purlins, and
6. Module to purlin connection, purlin to purlin connections are checked for torque tightness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The foregoing and further objects, features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements.
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings along with the reference numerals illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIGURE 1 shows an elevation view of the prior art fixed tilt MMS.
FIGURE 2A shows an elevation view of the seasonal tilt MMS, which shows the modular mounting system that converts the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 2B shows an isometric view of the conversion assembly of the modular mounting system that converts the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURES 3A and 3B show purlins clamping mechanism, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURE 4 shows assembly locations during retrofitting operation, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURES 5A to 5E show purlin holding details, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURES 6A to 6B show dismantling of the existing fixed MMS based purlin-rafter joint, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGURES 7A to 7E show installation of the modular mounting system that converts the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary embodiments now will be described. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the

embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
It is to be noted, however, that the reference numerals used herein illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter, and are therefore, not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the subject matter may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include operatively connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in

commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The invention relates to the approach and methodology in converting the fixed tilted Module Mounting Structure (MMS) of existing solar power plant to seasonal tilting MMS so that underutilization of the solar yield can be addressed such that different tilt angles at different seasonal time duration in the year, which can yield better power generation. Fixed tilt had been the choice during the initial days of solar plants. With the advent of technology and knowledge improvement, seasonal tilt got introduced for increasing energy generation compared to existing fixed tilted plants to have better efficiency and availability of the energy over the year. As a result, conversion of fixed tilt structure of the existing plants to seasonal tilt structure gained importance. Safe conversion process keeping the generation unaffected is a challenge from engineering, execution, and safety perspective. Structural modification of the existing structure within space and time constraints along with safe and easy installation are the prime factors requiring due attention.
The method is a unique state of art of retrofitting technology to upgrade the existing fixed tilt solar power plant MMS to seasonal tilt MMS without interruption to the power generation during retrofitting. The methodology involves minimum modifications in the existing MMS, simple applications with hardly any requirement of skilled manpower. After studying the existing fixed tilt arrangement of solar MMS in a power plant, required tilt angles for positioning of modules for higher generation requirements shall be finalized and details of existing structural arrangement including foundation details shall be obtained. The structural feasibility of these tilt angles considering the existing structural members and foundation system shall be analyzed. Modifications required in the member sizes and implementation of the same in the existing structure shall be studied keeping least disturbances to the existing structure. Tilt angles are selected such that it generates annual maximum power subject to no change in foundation system as well as in the connection between super structure and foundation.

FIGURE 1 shows an elevation view of the prior art fixed tilt MMS. Referring to FIGURE 1, existing ground level (1) and pile caps (2) are the fixed levels to which structural steel column post (3) is connected to which rafter (4), which is fixed at a particular angle with the support of front bracing (5) in the existing MMS. Front bracing (5) is fixed to column with help of plate (6). Purlins (7) are mounted on rafters (4) with the support of L-cleat (8). The photovoltaic (PV) modules (9) are fixed on purlins (7) with the help of hardware. Therefore, the structural steel members 3 to 8 are assembled to form a conventional Module Mounting Structure (MMS).
The following factors were taken into consideration while designing the modular mounting system (50) as described in FIGURES 2A and 2B:
• Existing Solar Power Plant MMS details: structure and foundation design calculations, MMS and foundation drawings, module data sheet, soil test report, wind zone, etc.
• Existing structure feasibility study to convert fixed tilt to seasonal tilting arrangements.
• Understanding the tilting positions based on maximum generation,
• Previous PV system report for plant and exact generation requirement by customer.
Furthermore, the primary aim of the conversion is to:
• Modify the existing ground mounted +Ɵ1 fixed tilt MMS to seasonal +Ɵ2, +Ɵ1, and -Ɵ3 tilt,
• Minimizing the new structural members to ensure retro fitment with existing member modification,
• Avoiding extra holes to be drilled in column as the vibrations induced may damage the photovoltaic modules.
Referring to FIGURES 2A and 2B, FIGURE 2A shows an elevation view of the seasonal tilt MMS, which shows the modular mounting system (50) that converts the fixed tilt

modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGURE 2B shows an isometric view of the conversion assembly (23) of the modular mounting system (50) that converts the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular mounting system (50) to convert a fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure comprises a column post (3), a rafter (4), a set of bracings (11), a collapsible stand (16), a clamping module (22), and at least one conversion assembly (23). The column post (3) comprises a steel member (10) that is positioned at an upper distal end of the column post (3). The column post (3) is substantially of a channel cross section, which is rugged in construction so that the entire assembly of the modular mounting system (50) is mountable on the column post (3) and the steel member (10) is positioned at the upper distal end of the column post (3). The rafter (4), as shown in FIGURE 1 is positioned above the steel member (10) to support multiple purlins (7) that are configured to mount multiple photovoltaic modules (9) and the rafter (4) includes holes (19) drilled across length of the rafter (4). The rafter (4) is lighter in construction for manual modification and handling but made of stronger material to connect and hold the purlins (7) and other assembly components.
Each bracing (11) of the set of bracings (11) extends from a lower section of the column post (3) in an inclined manner to connect to the holes (19) positioned on the rafter (4). In other words, the position of each bracing (11) is adjustable by varying the position of connection into each hole (19), thereby changing angular orientation of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure. The collapsible stand (16) is positioned below and in contact with a triangular frame (18), where the collapsible stand (16) is selectively raised and lowered using a hydraulic jack (21) to perform retrofitting operations of the modular mounting system (50) at site so that the photovoltaic modules (9) are repositioned to pre-determined angles based on a change in season. The clamping module (22) is positioned at a predefined angle to hold each purlin (7) that is positioned across an inclined orientation of the rafter (4) and the triangular frame (18), where the clamping module (22) clamps each

purlin (7) against wind initiated uplift forces. The conversion assembly (23) is positioned between each span that extends between two successive existing column posts (3) to hold the purlins (7) on the modular mounting system (50) for ease of work during the retrofitting operation.
The modular mounting system (50) further comprises at least two plates (6) fixed opposingly across the lower section of the column post (3), wherein each bracing (11) extends from each plate (6) in an inclined manner to connect to the holes (19) positioned on the rafter (4). The plates (6) are modified from the fixed tilt mechanism and are arranged in a manner to allow each bracing to be selectively tilted to a desired angle on both sides of the column post (3). The collapsible stand (16) also comprises at least two rods that are hinged across each other. Furthermore, the collapsible stand (16) is selectively lowered and raised by a hydraulic jack (21) fitted therein, based on a height requirement for the modular mounting system (50) during the retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at site.
The modular mounting system (50) further comprises a set of wheels (20), where each wheel (20) is positioned at a lower end of each rod of the collapsible stand (16). The wheels (20) are moveable in a horizontal direction along the length and width of the conversion assembly (23) of the modular mounting system (50), and the wheels (20) comprise a locking assembly to arrest unwanted movement. The wheels (20) are designed to move in any desired direction along length and width of the modular mounting system (50), and the locking assembly also stabilizes the movement of the modular mounting system (50) during maintenance activities. The collapsible stand (16) is a substantially ‘X’ shaped assembly (16) comprising a triangular frame (18) that is positioned above the collapsible stand (16). The triangular frame (18) supports each purlin (7) at opposing ends of the purlin (7) and the triangular frame (18) is selectively raised and lowered using the collapsible stand (16) by the hydraulic jack (21) to perform retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at the site. The hydraulic jack (21) is controlled by a programmed based cloud operation to follow a same command-line in synchronisation with each other for uniform

lifting and lowering of the triangular frame (18), which leads to raising of the purlins (7) along with the photovoltaic modules (9) during conversion and lowering of the purlins (7) along with the photovoltaic modules (9) after the conversion. The programmed based cloud operation contains predefined commands and instructions that are used to control the positioning and movement of the collapsible stand (16), which reduces manual manpower for lifting and lowering operation.
The assembly comprising of the collapsible frame (16), the triangular frame (18), the clamping module (22), and the hydraulic jack (21) is fixed on a firm ground to hold the purlins (7) during execution of the retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at the site. The modular mounting system (50) further comprises a set of precast blocks (17). The set of precast blocks (17) of calculated weight are placed in an inner section of the triangular frame (18) based on the angle of tilt and wind initiated uplift forces that act on the photovoltaic modules (9), and the precast blocks (17) counters the wind initiated uplift forces. The weight of the set of precast blocks (17) are designed based on the requirement of the dimensions of the modular mounting system (50).
In other words, FIGURE 2A also represents the individual component details which are required for the implementation of technology upgradation for existing MMS. The structural steel member (10) is fabricated which is added at top of the column post (3) with existing holes and holding rafter on the other side as shown in FIGURE 2A. An extra plate (6) is fabricated and fixed to post (3) so that newly fabricated rear bracing (11) can be fixed to achieve the seasonal tilting mechanism. Extra number of holes (19) are drilled at specified locations in rafter (4) to achieve the fixability as per tilt angle requirement. A special type of assembly consisting of a collapsible stand (16), wheels (20), hydraulic jack (21) and a triangular frame (18) is designed for implementing the retrofitting activity at site. The wheels (20) can move in both horizontal directions along the length of MMS table as well as along the width of MMS table and have locking facility to arrest the unwanted movement. The total assembly should be fixed on firm ground for stable holding of the

module-purlin arrangement during the implementation of retrofitting activity under the plant in operation.
FIGURES 3A and 3B show purlins clamping mechanism, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamping module (22) of the modular mounting system (50) comprises an elongate Z shaped vertical member (12), multiple vertical plates (15), and multiple locking plates (14). The vertical plates (15) are attached to the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) at different points along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12). The locking plates (14) and corresponding keys (13) are positioned at different sections along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12), and each locking plate (14) and key (13) fastens each purlin (7) in a resting position on the triangular frame (18). The clamping module (22) counteracts against lateral undulations and vertical alignment issues of the purlins (7), and the clamping module (22) encircles and holds each purlin (7) in position to transfer wind loads, self-weight, and any incidental loads from each purlin (7) to the firm ground via the triangular frame (18) and collapsible stand (16).
In short, the clamping mechanism, as shown in FIGURES 3A and 3B, with required angle for holding the purlins (7) is provided across the inclined member of the triangular frame (18). To address the wind initiated uplift force, precast blocks (17) of calculated weight are placed. A special type of clamping module as shown in FIGURES 3A and 3B, is used for holding the purlins (7) in position and resting on to the triangular frame (18). Members 12,13,14 and 15 are assembled to form clamping module. The clamping module can adjust to lateral undulations and vertical alignment issues of the existing purlin (7). The clamping module (22) encircles the purlin (7) and holds it in position to transfer the wind loads from purlin (7) to the assembly via triangular frame (18).
FIGURE 4 shows assembly (50) locations during retrofitting operation, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The modular mounting system (50) comprises at least one assembly (50) positioned between each span of the modular mounting system (50). The span extends between two successive column posts (3) to hold the purlins (7) on

the modular mounting system (50) for ease of work during the retrofitting operation. In another example, as shown in FIGURE 4, multiple conversion assemblies (23) are positioned based on the extended span of the modular mounting system (50). The distance and positioning between each subsequent conversion assembly (23) is customized based on the span and weight of the components that are included in the modular mounting system (50) that supports the seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure. These conversion assemblies (23) are positioned in between the two column posts (3) to hold the entire purlin- solar module during the retrofitting for easy operations. All the hydraulic jacks in each assembly are controlled by a programmed cloud operation to follow same command in synchronisation to each other for uniform lifting/ lowering the triangular frame (18).
The operation of the modular mounting system (50) includes the following steps. Assembly with triangular fame (18) is clamped to purlins (7) at fixed locations with clamping mechanism. Once the purlins (7) and module (9) are firmly fixed to the triangular frame (18), rafters (4) are disconnected from the columns (3) and shall be taken out for fabrication and drilling holes as per the requirements of tilting. The complete set of solar panels or photovoltaic modules (9) resting on the triangular frames (18) is raised uniformly in a controlled manner by hydraulic jacks (21) in the assemblies. Solar table will be held by assemblies in raised condition with triangular frame (18) temporarily under the plant in operation till the completion of the retrofit. All newly fabricated members are to be supplied and kept ready for installation. Newly fabricated extra member (10) is fixed at top to the existing column (3). Newly drilled holes in rafter (4) are used to connect to the member (10) by maintaining the required tilt angle which was existing in earlier MMS. Newly fabricated plate (6) is fixed to already existing holes of column (3). Existing front bracing (5) and newly fabricated rear bracing (11) are fixed at specified locations in columns (3) and rafters (4) as shown in FIGURE 2. Once the torque tightening of newly mounted MMS with two bracings is completed, the solar table consisting of purlins (7) and modules shall be lowered to rest on the newly fixed rafters (4). Clamping of the purlins (7) with the rafter (4) shall be unlocked thereafter. At the end, the assemblies shall be removed.

FIGURES 5A to 5E shows purlin (7) holding details, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The Z-Members or the elongate Z shaped vertical members (12) are located as per purlin (7) position in existing structure. The Z-Section fitment using nut-bolt and a slot is provided for the adjustment of purlin holding in case of any lateral undulations in purlin (7). The triangular frame (18) is provided with hole for Z-Section fitment and the clamps are being used to encircle existing purlin (7).
FIGURES 6A to 6B show dismantling of the existing fixed MMS based purlin-rafter joint, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGURE 6A shows lifting of the entire assembly using the jack after disassembling the rafter-purlin joints. FIGURE 6B shows disassembling of rafters (4) and bracing (11). The purlins (7) are being held by conversion assemblies (23) operated by jacks and there is no stoppage in energy generation from the photovoltaic modules and there is no electrically designed stringing disconnections in the assembly. Furthermore, the module-purlin fitment is held by triangular frame-clamp-jack arrangement, the rafter (4) and bracings (11) can be dismantled and taken for fabrication, and the fabricated material is delivered to site along with new members including rear bracing, column connect and bracing plate.
FIGURES 7A to 7E show installation of the modular mounting system (50) that converts the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, as an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGURE 7A shows an assembling bracing plate that is newly fabricated. FIGURE 7B shows assembling rafter (4) to column (3) connect and FIGURE 7C shows fixing of rear bracing (11). FIGURE 7D shows front facing bracing (11), where the arrow represents jack movement either by hydraulic or by wheel movement and FIGURE 7E shows purlin-rafter fitment.
Referring to FIGURES 5A to 7E, with reference to the modular mounting system (50),
converting the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to the seasonally tiltable modular
mounting structure comprising steps of:
• monitoring, prior to the retrofitting activity, actual weather conditions at the site to

decide on low windy days and no rainy days;
• flattening entire area below table of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure by compaction to avoid any form of settlements;
• checking rear side access of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure for easy movement of the conversion assembly (23);
• checking electrical connections and cablings within the modular mounting system (50) to avoid free hanging cables, and wherein the cables are tied to the purlins (7); and
• checking connections between the rafter (4) to the purlin (7) and one purlin (7) to the adjacent purlin (7) for torque tightness.
The conversion of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure to the seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure further comprising steps of:
• locating elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) as per position of the purlin (7) in existing fixed tilt modular mounting structure;
• fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) using nut-bolt, wherein a slot is provided for the adjustment of purlin (7) holding in case of any lateral undulations in purlin (7);
• providing the triangular frame (18) with hole for fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12);
• using clamping module (22) to encircle existing purlin (7);
• lifting the triangular frame (18) resting on collapsible stand (16) by the hydraulic jack (21) after disassembling joints between each rafter (4) and each purlin (7); and
• disassembling rafters (4) and bracings (11), wherein each purlin (7) is being held by the conversion assembly (23), without stoppage in module generation and electrical disconnection.
The modular mounting system (50) is simple in terms of design and drilling, where punching to existing posts is avoided for achieving seasonal tilting. The modular mounting system (50) also provides continual functionality of the solar plant without hampering the

generation while retrofitting activity in progress and provides utilization of all existing member components and to use minimum extra fabricated members to keep the cost of retrofitting activity as low as possible. The modular mounting system (50) provides reduced or almost eliminated cumulative fabrication on main structural elements with intent to reuse the same members with least possible modifications and includes only minimum extra components as brought out items in a ready to fit condition were fabricated for proper fitment for completion of the retrofitting activity to ensure stability of structure for design life of the plant. The modular mounting system (50) provides safe and secured conversion assembly developed to hold the entire purlin -module assembly firmly till the retrofitting is completed and hassle-free landing on predefined fitment locations.
The modular mounting system (50) assists in power generation of the existing plant, which can be improved to meet the committed generation with low investment. The modular mounting system (50) provides ease of seasonal tilting with no cost to loss in generation during MMS operation and management. The modular mounting system (50) provides guaranteed improvements in generation with minimum investment and with easy O and M shows a promising future for already existing solar plants to adopt this technology for gaining higher yield. Furthermore, the investment in converting to seasonal tilt MMS is satisfactory with respect to improvement in generation and payback period calculated.
In the specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation of the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore, contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation of the scope of the invention.

We Claim:
1. A modular mounting system (50) to convert a fixed tilt modular mounting structure to a
seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure, the modular mounting system (50)
comprising:
a column post (3) comprising a steel member (10) positioned at an upper distal end of the column post (3);
a rafter (4) that is positioned above the steel member (10) to support a plurality of purlins (7) that are configured to mount a plurality of photovoltaic modules (9), wherein the rafter (4) includes holes (19) drilled across length of the rafter (4);
a set of bracings (11), wherein each bracing (11) extends from a lower section of the column post (3) in an inclined manner to connect to the holes (19) positioned on the rafter (4); and
a collapsible stand (16) positioned below and in contact with a triangular frame (18), wherein the collapsible stand (16) is selectively raised and lowered using a hydraulic jack (21) to perform retrofitting operations of the modular mounting system (50) at site so that the photovoltaic modules (9) are repositioned to pre-determined optimum angle based on a change in season;
a clamping module (22) that is positioned at a predefined angle to hold each purlin (7) that is positioned across an inclined orientation of the rafter (4) and the triangular frame (18), wherein the clamping module (22) clamps each purlin (7) against wind initiated uplift forces; and
at least one conversion assembly (23) that is positioned between each span that extends between two successive existing column posts (3) to hold the purlins (7) on the modular mounting system (50) for ease of work during the retrofitting operation.
2. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least two
plates (6) fixed opposingly across the lower section of the column post (3), wherein each

bracing (11) extends from each plate (6) in an inclined manner to connect to the holes (19) positioned on the rafter (4).
3. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the collapsible stand (16) comprises at least two rods that are hinged across each other, and wherein the collapsible stand (16) is selectively lowered and raised by a hydraulic jack (21) fitted therein, based on a height requirement for the modular mounting system (50) during the retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at site.
4. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 3, further comprises a set of wheels (20), wherein each wheel (20) is positioned at a lower end of each rod of the collapsible stand (16), wherein the wheels (20) are moveable in a horizontal direction along a length and width of the conversion assembly (23) of the modular mounting system (50), and wherein the wheels (20) comprise a locking assembly to arrest unwanted movement.
5. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the collapsible stand (16) is a substantially ‘X’ shaped assembly (16) comprising a triangular frame (18) that is positioned above the collapsible stand (16), wherein the triangular frame (18) supports each purlin (7) at opposing ends of the purlin (7), wherein the triangular frame (18) is selectively raised and lowered using the collapsible stand (16) by the hydraulic jack (21) to perform retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at the site, and wherein the hydraulic jack (21) is controlled by a programmed based cloud operation to follow a same command-line in synchronisation with each other for uniform lifting and lowering of the triangular frame (18), which leads to raising of the purlins (7) along with the photovoltaic modules (9) during conversion and lowering of the purlins (7) along with the photovoltaic modules (9) after conversion.
6. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein assembly comprising of the collapsible stand (16), the triangular frame (18), the clamping module (22), and the

hydraulic jack (21) is fixed on a firm ground to hold the purlins (7) during execution of the retrofitting operations of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure at the site.
7. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a set of precast blocks (17) of calculated weight that are placed in an inner section of the triangular frame (18) based on the angle of tilt and wind initiated uplift forces that act on the photovoltaic modules (9), and wherein the precast blocks (17) counters the wind initiated uplift forces.
8. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the clamping module (22) comprises:
an elongate Z shaped vertical member (12);
a plurality of vertical plates (15) attached to the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) at different points along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12); and
a plurality of locking plates (14) and corresponding keys (13) positioned at different sections along the length of the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12), wherein each locking plate (14) and key (13) fastens each purlin (7) in a resting position on the triangular frame (18).
9. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clamping module
(22) counteracts against lateral undulations and vertical alignment issues of the purlins (7),
wherein the clamping module (22) encircles and holds each purlin (7) in position to transfer
wind loads, self-weight and any incidental loads from each purlin (7) to the firm ground via
the triangular frame (18) and collapsible stand (16).
10. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 1, wherein converting the fixed
tilt modular mounting structure to the seasonally tiltable modular mounting structure
comprising steps of:

monitoring, prior to the retrofitting activity, actual weather conditions at the site to decide on low windy days and no rainy days;
flattening entire area below table of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure by compaction to avoid any form of settlements;
checking rear side access of the fixed tilt modular mounting structure for easy movement of the conversion assembly (23);
checking electrical connections and cablings within the modular mounting system (50) to avoid free hanging cables, and wherein the cables are tied to the purlins (7); and
checking connections between the rafter (4) to the purlin (7) and one purlin (7) to the adjacent purlin (7) for torque tightness.
11. The modular mounting system (50) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the steps further comprising:
locating elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) as per position of the purlin (7) in existing fixed tilt modular mounting structure;
fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12) using nut-bolt, wherein a slot is provided for the adjustment of purlin (7) holding in case of any lateral undulations in purlin (7);
providing the triangular frame (18) with hole for fitting the elongate Z shaped vertical member (12);
using clamping module (22) to encircle existing purlin (7);
lifting the triangular frame (18) resting on collapsible stand (16) by the hydraulic jack (21) after disassembling joints between each rafter (4) and each purlin (7); and
disassembling rafters (4) and bracings (11), wherein each purlin (7) is being held by the conversion assembly (23), without stoppage in module generation and electrical disconnection.