Accumulator

Accumulator, in hydraulics, a contrivance for storing up energy in the form of water at high pressure. The applications of hydraulic power are now very extensive, many machines being very conveniently worked by water. It is, however, wanted at very great pressures. To obtain this continuously the accumulator is used. It is simply a heavily-loaded hydraulic press. Water is forced into it by pumping-engines, and gradually lifts the ram. The water now within the press, having to support the full load on the ram, is at great pressure, and may be drawn off to the different hydraulic machines. In electricity.