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Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy-efficient method and apparatus for producing high-quality transparent ice cubes. The invention provides a novel approach to ice cube production that addresses the challenges of cutting ice, preventing visible crystallization, and maintaining the structural integrity of the ice. A key aspect of the invention is the utilization of a refrigeration system that agitates water to mitigate the formation of visible bubbles and crystallization within the ice cubes. The system includes a refrigeration pipe and a cavity in both thermal and mechanical communication with the pipe, designed to vibrate or oscillate to induce one-directional freezing and ensure consistent quality. The invention also details the use of water with a specific concentration of calcium carbonate to enhance the energy efficiency of the freezing process. The refrigeration system is optimized to balance thermal transfer and structural stability, with a focus on the amplitude of water agitation necessary to produce transparent ice cubes devoid of visible imperfections. The technical advantages extend to the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and the provision for easy mold exchange to produce ice cubes of various shapes and sizes without the need for tools or disassembly. The invention further includes an embodiment that achieves the correct water amplitude for creating transparent ice cubes with a center free of visible crystallization and bubbles. The amplitude is meticulously controlled to ensure that water droplets are propelled at least one-eighth of an inch above the water's surface, contributing to the one-directional freezing necessary for creating transparent ice cubes. The invention provides a reliable and repeatable process for producing clear ice cubes, free from the cloudiness and structural weaknesses commonly associated with less controlled freezing techniques.

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First Claim