The term "accumulator" refers to a device designed to temporarily store or hold objects or materials in various contexts, such as energy systems, logistics networks, and production processes.

In the energy sector, this includes not only devices that store electrical energy or thermal energy, but also those that convert and store fluid pressure energy into other forms of high-pressure fluid energy. Such devices are also called accumulators and are primarily used in hydraulic and steam fluid systems. Functionally, they operate similarly to a battery in an electrical system.

Since the English word "accumulate" means "to gather" or "to pile up," different devices are termed "accumulators" across various technical fields, depending on what is being stored or collected.

For instance, in computing, the term refers to an arithmetic logic unit that temporarily saves calculation results for immediate use in the next operation. In the power sector, a storage battery is a representative type of accumulator.

In logistics systems—such as conveying equipment and conveyor systems—and in manufacturing production processes, the accumulator acts as a system component that temporarily holds objects. This capability enables continuous transport or production even when subsequent tasks or processing cannot keep pace, thereby preventing line stops or stagnation and enhancing productivity.

In essence, accumulators are used to enhance efficiency and contribute to the overall optimization of logistics systems and production processes.