The mechanical motion characteristics of a system

including a unidirectional-force reciprocating linear switched reluctance motor and a compressor

are analyzed

the loss of the motor affecting efficiency is evaluated

and the driving variables are measured

a maximum efficiency control strategy is proposed. The strategy with an important component of golden section search is endowed with the advantages of simplicity

independence upon the system parameters and models and easy on-line search

to control both the stroke and equilibrium position and improve the motor efficiency. The experimental results verify the correctness and effectiveness.