What is typically used to store potential energy in hydraulic systems?

In hydraulic systems, an accumulator is used to store potential energy. An accumulator is a device that holds hydraulic fluid under pressure, allowing it to store energy in the form of pressurized fluid. When there is a demand for additional hydraulic pressure or flow, this stored energy can be released to augment the system's performance.

Accumulators serve several purposes, including smoothing out pressure fluctuations, providing additional flow for momentary peak demands, and acting as a reserve to maintain system pressure in the event of a pump failure. They can also help in dampening hydraulic shocks and preventing cavitation within the system.

The other options play different roles in fluid power systems. A pneumatic tank is used for compressing air in pneumatic systems but does not apply to hydraulic systems. A compressor is a device for increasing the pressure of gases and is not relevant to storing potential energy in hydraulic systems. Actuators convert hydraulic energy into mechanical motion but do not serve as storage devices for potential energy.