An apparatus and method for controlling operations of a reciprocating
compressor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a compressor control
factor detecting unit for detecting a compressor control factor to detect
a stroke value corresponding to a point where TDC (Top Dead
Center).apprxeq.0 on the basis of a stroke estimate value of a
reciprocating compressor and values of a current and a voltage applied to
a motor of the reciprocating compressor; a stroke reference value
determining unit for determining a stroke reference value on the basis of
the detected compressor control factor; and a controller for varying a
voltage applied to the reciprocating compressor according to the
determined stroke reference value.