What is the purpose of a hydraulic accumulator?

The purpose of a hydraulic accumulator is to store energy in the form of hydraulic fluid under pressure. This device acts as a reservoir that can release stored fluid when needed, thereby providing additional energy to the hydraulic system. When the pressure in the system exceeds a predetermined level, the accumulator can absorb excess pressure, helping to stabilize the hydraulic system and ensure consistent output.

This stored energy can be utilized for various functions, such as providing a boost in pressure for starting a system, compensating for minor leaks, or maintaining pressure during times of increased demand. Hydraulics systems benefit significantly from accumulators, particularly in applications that require quick bursts of energy or where pressure fluctuations can affect performance.

The other choices address functionalities that are not the primary purpose of a hydraulic accumulator. Cooling hydraulic fluids, filtering contaminants, and increasing density are important aspects of hydraulic system maintenance but do not align with the accumulator's role in energy storage.