There are different steps to make the ice from the ice maker. However, their basic working principle of them are similar, regardless of their style and design. An ice maker works by,
1. Taking in the water through the supply
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The ice maker is connected to the direct inlet for a water supply. This connection is usually made through a cold water line that brings water into the back of the unit.
2. Water Valve Activation
When the ice maker is turned on, a solenoid water valve opens to allow water to flow into the ice maker’s water reservoir, depending on its capacity.
3. Freezing the Water
The next step is for the water to flow evenly into the ice cube molds or trays within the ice maker to make the desired shapes. A cooling system, often using a refrigerant, chills these molds to a temperature below freezing.
4. Formation of Ice Cubes
The cold temperature makes the water in the molds freeze, starting the process of ice cube formation. Depending on the specific ice maker, this can take some time, typically from 20 minutes to a couple of hours.
5. Harvesting
Once the ice has fully formed, the ice maker goes through a harvesting cycle. This way, the ice maker might slightly heat the mold or use a mechanical mechanism to release the ice cubes from the mold.
6. Collection
The released ice cubes fall into a collection bin or tray. The ice maker continues this process until the bin is complete or until the user manually turns it off.
7. Sensor and Shut-Off
Some ice makers have sensors that detect when the ice bin is full. When the container reaches capacity, the ice maker may automatically shut off to prevent overflow.
8. Dispensing (if applicable)
In some refrigerators, especially those with water and ice dispensers on the door, the ice maker dispenses ice through a chute when the user activates the ice dispenser.
