Accumulator (energy)

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An accumulator is a device that stores energy for later use. It can collect energy slowly over a long time and release it quickly, or collect energy quickly and release it slowly. Some accumulators charge and discharge at similar rates.

Energy can be stored as thermal, mechanical, or electrical energy. Most devices store and release energy in the same form, but some convert energy from one form to another during charging or discharging.

Examples include steam accumulators, mainsprings, flywheels, hydraulic accumulators, rechargeable batteries, capacitors, inductors, compensated pulsed alternators (compulsators), and pumped-storage hydroelectric plants.

In electrical contexts, the word accumulator usually means a lead–acid battery.

Tower Bridge uses an accumulator system to operate. The original raising mechanism was powered by pressurized water stored in hydraulic accumulators, and in 1974 the system was largely replaced by a new electro-hydraulic drive.