Where is energy primarily stored in a hydraulic system during operation?

Energy in a hydraulic system is primarily stored in the accumulator. An accumulator is a key component designed to store hydraulic energy in the form of pressurized fluid. Essentially, it acts like a battery for hydraulic systems, capturing excess hydraulic fluid under pressure and releasing it when needed. This storage allows the system to maintain pressure and ensure a consistent supply of energy for operations, especially when demand fluctuates or when the hydraulic pump cannot keep up with the flow requirements of the system.

While hydraulic pumps and cylinders play vital roles in the functioning of a hydraulic system, they do not serve as primary energy storage. The pump generates hydraulic pressure but does not store energy when not in operation, and the hydraulic cylinder merely converts hydraulic energy into mechanical work rather than storing energy. The hydraulic fluid itself is the medium that transmits energy within the system but does not store energy in the way an accumulator does. Thus, the accumulator is central to energy storage during operation, making it the correct answer.