Reciprocating compressors having timing valves and related methods

A reciprocating compressor for the oil and gas industry, the reciprocating compressor has a chamber, a timing valve, an actuator and a controller. A fluid entering the chamber via a suction valve is compressed inside the chamber, and evacuated from the chamber via a discharge valve. The timing valve is located between the chamber and a fluid volume at a relief pressure that is lower than a pressure in the chamber when the timing valve is opened. The actuator is configured to actuate the timing valve. The controller is configured to control the actuator such that to open the timing valve during an expansion phase of the compression cycle, and to close the timing valve when the relief pressure becomes equal to the pressure in the chamber or when the suction valve is opened.