Precast dam structure with flowpath

Abstract

A precast dam structure includes at least two precast segments coupled together via linkages and a flow path structure. The flow path structure defines a flow path having an intake port and a draft port and is associated with at least one of the at least two precast segments. The flow path structure is configured to provide a change in flow direction, either internally or externally, from the at least one of the at least two precast segments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A precast dam structure, comprising:
 at least two precast segments coupled together via linkages; and   a flow path structure defining a flow path having an intake port and a draft port, the flow path structure associated with at least one of the at least two precast segments and configured to provide a change in flow direction.   
     
     
         2 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 1  wherein the at least two precast segments define respective length and width dimensions, and wherein the flow path structure spans a length or width of a given one of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         3 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 2  wherein the flow path structure is mechanically coupled to the given one of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         4 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 2  wherein the flow path structure is integrally defined by the given one of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         5 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 1  wherein the flow path structure is integrally defined by a combination of at least two of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         6 . The precast structure according to  claim 1  wherein the flow path structure is arranged to provide the change in flow direction internally within the at least one of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         7 . The precast structure according to  claim 1  wherein the flow path structure is configured to provide the change in flow direction externally from the at least one of the at least two precast segments. 
     
     
         8 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 1  further comprising a turbine disposed within the flow path structure. 
     
     
         9 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 8  wherein the at least one of the at least two precast segments encapsulates the turbine. 
     
     
         10 . The precast dam structure according to  claim 8  wherein the at least one of the at least two precast segments that encapsulates the turbine is filled with concrete. 
     
     
         11 . A precast dam kit, comprising:
 at least two precast segments, each precast segment including linkages for coupling together the at least two precast segments;   a flow path structure defining a flow path having an intake port and a draft port and configured to provide a change in flow direction, the flow path structure configured to be associated with at least one of the at least two precast segments; and   a turbine configured to be disposed within the flow path structure.   
     
     
         12 . A precast dam structure, comprising:
 at least two precast segments;   means for coupling together the at least two precast segments; and   means for providing a flow path having an intake port and a draft port and configured to provide a change in flow direction; and   means for associating said means for providing the flow path with at least one of said at least two precast segments.