In this paper a computationally efficient steady state model for a typical refrigeration reciprocating compressor is proposed. The plenum cavity is modelled using the acoustic plane wave theory, while the compression process is modelled as a one-dimensional gas dynamics equation. Valve dynamic models, based on a single vibration mode approximation, are coupled with the gas dynamics equation and acoustic plenum models. The steady-state solution of the resultant coupled non-linear equations are posed as a boundary value problem and solved using Warner's algorithm. The Warner's algorithm applied to compressor simulation is shown to be computationally more efficient as compared to conventional techniques such as shooting methods. Comparisons are based on the number of iterations and time taken for convergence. Effect of operating conditions on the overall compressor performance is also investigated. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.