How the machine Makes Ice

Turn the power switch to the ON position. The machine will automatically start the ice making stage. There are two distinct cycles: freeze and harvest. During the freeze cycle, water is sprayed against the evaporator surface. In the harvest cycle, the ice is released and water enters the machine. A complete cycle can take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on temperature and operating conditions.

Freeze: During the freeze cycle the compressor is pumping refrigerant, the fan motor is blowing air, and the water pump is circulating water. When the batch of ice has been fully formed, the ice maker stops the freeze cycle and begins the harvest cycle.

Harvest: During the harvest cycle the compressor is still operating, but the water pump has stopped. Two other components have been energized: the hot gas valve and the water inlet valve. These two valves open and warm up the freezing surface, allowing the cubes to fall into the bin. The freeze cycle will restart when all the cubes have been harvested.

How the machine uses the water

The ice maker begins with a fixed charge of water that is contained in the water sump. As the water is sprayed against the freezing evaporator surface, the portion of water that does not contain mineral impurities will freeze and stick to the ice cube molds. The water containing impurities falls back into the water sump. Gradually, during the freezing portion of the ice-making cycle, the water in the sump will become highly concentrated with mineral impurities. During the harvest cycle, fresh water flows into the machine to dilute the bin water and rinse the concentrated minerals down the drain.

EdgeStar Full Size Ice Maker