Optimization of Hydraulic Accumulators for Low Temperature Applications

Criteria for optimum sizing of the hydraulic accumulator can be established by relating work capacity to volume and weight as a function of accumulator pressure ratio, using realistic values of the ratio of specific heats. These relationships are derived and plotted to provide an accurate and simple method of sizing the hydraulic accumulator.

Although the optimum accumulator has a pressure ratio that falls between 0.2 and 0.35, system requirements often demand higher values. Foremost in importance is the optimum system. Optimum components are merely the first step.