SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY POWERED HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR
A system, in certain embodiments, includes an accumulator (12). The accumulator includes a first cylinder (58) configured to receive a fluid within an internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator also includes a piston (56) configured to move axially within the first cylinder. Axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder adjusts the internal volume of the first cylinder. The accumulator further includes a plurality of shape memory alloy wires (30) configured to cause the axial movement of the piston within the first cylinder.