Linear compressor and methods of polarity detection

A method for operating a linear compressor comprising a motor, the method comprising:

• supplying an initial time varying voltage to the motor of the linear compressor at an assumed polarity;
• estimating a first acceleration of the motor of the linear compressor when the motor is at a bottom dead center position;
• estimating a second acceleration of the motor of the linear compressor when the motor is at a top dead center position;
• comparing the first acceleration to the second acceleration;
• determining whether the assumed polarity is correct based on the comparison, wherein determining the assumed polarity is correct comprises determining the first acceleration diverges from the second acceleration by less than a set margin of error, and wherein determining the assumed polarity is not correct comprises determining the first acceleration diverges from the second acceleration by at least the set margin of error;
• and
• halting the supplying of the initial time varying voltage in response to determining the assumed polarity is not correct.