Accumulator Capacity
Accumulator capacity is the amount of hydraulic energy an accumulator can store and deliver when needed. It is determined by the volume of hydraulic fluid the accumulator can hold and the pressure difference between the pre-charge pressure and the maximum operating pressure.
Factors Affecting Accumulator Capacity
Volume - The internal volume of the accumulator defines how much hydraulic fluid it can store. Larger volumes provide greater energy storage capacity.
Precharge Pressure - This is the initial gas pressure inside the accumulator before hydraulic fluid is introduced. Proper precharge pressure ensures efficient energy storage and delivery.
Operating Pressure - Maximum pressure is the pressure at which the accumulator is fully charged with hydraulic fluid. Minimum pressure is the pressure at which the accumulator is considered empty (no usable energy left).
Gas Compressibility - The compressibility of the gas (typically nitrogen) affects how much fluid the accumulator can store under pressure.
Accumulator Capacity formula |
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| \( V \;=\; BC \cdot \left( \dfrac{ P_p }{ P_f } - \dfrac{ P_p }{ P_s } \right) \) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( V \) = Accumulator Capacity | \(gal\) | \(l\) |
| \( BC \) = Bottle Volume per Capacity | \(gal\) | \(l\) |
| \( P_p \) = Pre-charge Pressure | \(lbf \;/\; in^2\) | \(Pa\) |
| \( P_f \) = Final Pressre | \(lbf \;/\; in^2\) | \(Pa\) |
| \( P_s \) = System Pressure | \(lbf \;/\; in^2\) | \(Pa\) |
