What device supplements the pump output during periods of high demand in hydraulic systems?

The accumulator is a crucial device in hydraulic systems designed to store energy in the form of pressurized fluid. During periods of high demand, such as when the hydraulic system requires more flow than the pump can provide, the accumulator supplements the pump output by releasing the stored hydraulic fluid. This ensures that the system maintains adequate pressure and flow to operate effectively, preventing drops in performance and potential system failure.

Accumulators can also act to absorb shock loads and provide a steady flow of fluid in situations where the demand is not constant, enhancing the overall reliability of the hydraulic system. This capability is essential in applications such as aircraft flight control systems, where consistent hydraulic pressure is critical for safe and effective operation.

Other devices mentioned, such as filters, bypass valves, and pressure switches, serve different functions within the hydraulic system. Filters are used to remove contaminants from the fluid, bypass valves can redirect flow to prevent over-pressure conditions, and pressure switches monitor and control the pressure levels within the system. However, none of these components provide the same energy storage and supplementary output capabilities as an accumulator.