Apparatus and method for controlling operation of compressor

A method for controlling operation of a reciprocating compressor, comprising:

• cuffing off current applied to a motor of a reciprocating compressor for a predetermined period;
• detecting a counter electromotive force of the motor for the predetermined current cut-off period;
• calculating a stroke estimation value of the reciprocating compressor on the basis of the detected counter electromotive force;
• and
• controlling a stroke of the reciprocating compressor by varying a voltage applied to the motor on the basis of the calculated stroke estimation value and a stroke reference value, wherein the voltage applied to the motor is increased when the stroke estimation value is less than the stroke reference value, and the voltage applied to the motor is decreased when the stroke estimation value is greater than the stroke reference value.