An accumulator is a device used in hydraulic systems to store energy by holding pressurized hydraulic fluid. It releases this stored fluid when needed to help maintain pressure, compensate for leaks, or handle sudden demands in the system. It may also act as a shock dampener, helping to absorb and reduce pressure spikes in the system. The most common type, a bladder accumulator, uses a flexible bladder filled with gas, like nitrogen, to separate the hydraulic fluid from the gas. This allows the system to store and release energy efficiently, keeping things running smoothly. Accumulators help improve the performance and safety of hydraulic equipment by providing an extra boost of fluid when required.