Accumulator (energy)

An accumulator is an apparatus by means of which energy can be stored, such as a rechargeable battery or a hydraulic accumulator. Such devices may be electrical, fluidic or mechanical and are sometimes used to convert a small continuous power source into a short surge of energy or vice versa. Other examples of accumulators include capacitors, compulsators, steam accumulator, wave energy machines and pumped-storage hydroelectric plants.

In general usage in an electrical context the word accumulator would normally mean a lead–acid battery.

The London tower bridge is operated via an accumulator. The original raising mechanism was powered by pressurised water stored in several hydraulic accumulators.[1] In 1974, the original operating mechanism was largely replaced by a new electro-hydraulic drive system.

References

  1. "Bridge History". Towerbridge.org.uk. Retrieved 12 April 2015.