Power control strategy and performance evaluation of a novel electro-hydraulic energy-saving system

•A electro-hydraulic energy-saving system is proposed for energy recovery and regeneration.•A parametric rule-based strategy of the proposed system is developed for real-time control.•The proposed energy-saving system prototype is equipped on a 23-ton hydraulic excavator.•Experiments studies show that about 17.6% energy can be saving by this system.•The system is evaluated from multiple perspectives of efficiency, performance and comfort.