Patent Publication Number: US-11662129-B2

Title: Method and apparatus for making clear ice

Description:
FIELD 
     The present subject matter relates generally to clear ice makers, and more particularly to icemakers capable of drainless operation of making clear ice. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Icemaker appliances generally include an ice maker that is configured to generate ice. Ice makers within icemaker appliances are plumbed to a water supply, and water from the water supply may flow to the ice maker within the icemaker appliances. Icemaker appliances are frequently cooled by a sealed system, and heat transfer between liquid water in the ice maker and refrigerant of the sealed system generates ice. 
     In certain icemaker appliances, for instance, clear ice makers, water may be continually sprayed onto a chilled mold to form ice without dissolved solids which result in cloudy ice. Commonly, the icemaker appliances are plumbed to an external drain (e.g., connected to a municipal water system) to dispose of the excess water that is not frozen during an icemaking process (e.g., excess water containing dissolved solids). While effective for managing the excess water, external drain lines have drawbacks. For example, external drain lines can be expensive to install. In addition, external drain lines can be difficult to install in certain locations. Additionally, cleaning such icemaker appliances can be burdensome and time consuming. 
     Further, certain icemakers utilize potable municipal water in an icemaking process. This municipal water contains certain levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). During some icemaking processes, only the water containing sufficiently low levels of TDS will freeze into clear ice cubes. The leftover water then contains a higher concentration of TDS, which is too high to form clear ice. Thus, leftover water remains within the icemaker, requiring removal by the user in order to continue the icemaking process. 
     Accordingly, an icemaker appliance with features for operating without an external drain line would be useful. In particular, an icemaker appliance that uses leftover water from a clear ice cycle would be useful. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an icemaker appliance is provided. The icemaking apparatus includes a cabinet forming an ice storage compartment. A reservoir is provided within the ice storage compartment. A liquid supply conduit is configured to supply liquid to the reservoir. An ice mold is configured to freeze liquid at the ice mold. A nozzle is configured to dispense the liquid from the reservoir to the ice mold. A controller is configured to execute instructions that perform operations. The operations include dispensing, from a body of liquid at the reservoir, a flow of liquid toward the ice mold; freezing, at the ice mold, a first portion of the flow of liquid received from dispensing the flow of liquid to the ice mold; providing, to the reservoir, a second portion of the flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold; and providing, from the liquid supply conduit to the reservoir, a supply of liquid after dispensing the flow of liquid toward the ice mold. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for producing clear ice. The method includes dispensing, from a body of liquid at the reservoir, a flow of liquid toward the ice mold; freezing, at the ice mold, a first portion of the flow of liquid received from dispensing the flow of liquid to the ice mold; providing, to the reservoir, a second portion of the flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold; and providing, from the liquid supply conduit to the reservoir, a supply of liquid after dispensing the flow of liquid toward the ice mold. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG.  1    provides a front, perspective view of an icemaker appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary icemaker appliance of  FIG.  1    with a door of the icemaker appliance shown in an open position. 
         FIG.  3    provides a side, schematic view of certain components of the exemplary icemaker appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    provides top and side schematic views of a plurality of ice molds according to the exemplary icemaker appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    provides a side schematic view of a plurality of ice molds and first and second reservoirs according to the exemplary icemaker appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    provides a side schematic view of a plurality of ice molds and first and second reservoirs according to the exemplary icemaker appliance of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    provides a flowchart outlining steps of a method for making clear ice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  8    provides a flowchart outlining steps of a method for making clear ice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Methods and apparatuses for generating clear ice are provided herein. Embodiments provided herein allows for making clear ice without requiring a drain plumbed to an icemaking apparatus. Embodiments provided herein may allow for recycling liquid and producing clear ice without draining liquid to a wastewater drain. Apparatuses and methods provided herein may be applied to clear ice makers at refrigerator appliances, standalone table-top icemaker appliances, or under-counter icemaker appliances. Apparatuses and methods provided herein may generally include providing water to an ice making mold 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    provide front, perspective views of an icemaker appliance  100  according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed in greater detail below, icemaker appliance  100  includes features for generating or producing clear ice. Thus, a user of icemaker appliance  100  may consume clear ice stored within icemaker appliance  100 . As may be seen in  FIG.  1   , icemaker appliance  100  defines a vertical direction V. 
     Icemaker appliance  100  includes a cabinet  110 . Cabinet  110  may be insulated in order to limit heat transfer between an interior volume  111  ( FIG.  2   ) of cabinet  110  and ambient atmosphere. Cabinet  110  extends between a top portion  112  and a bottom portion  114 , e.g., along the vertical direction V. Thus, top and bottom portions  112 ,  114  of cabinet  110  are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the vertical direction V. A door  119  is mounted to cabinet  110  at a front portion of cabinet  110 . Door  119  permits selective access to interior volume  111  of cabinet  110 . For example, door  119  is shown in a closed position in  FIG.  1   , and door  119  is shown in an open position in  FIG.  2   . A user may rotate door between the open and closed positions to access interior volume  111  of cabinet  110 . 
     As may be seen in  FIG.  2   , various components of icemaker appliance  100  are positioned within interior volume  111  of cabinet  110 . In particular, icemaker appliance  100  includes an ice maker  120  disposed within interior volume  111  of cabinet  110 , e.g., at top portion  112  of cabinet  110 . Ice maker  120  is configured for producing clear ice. Ice maker  120  may be configured for making any suitable type of clear ice. Thus, e.g., ice maker  120  may be a clear cube ice maker, as would be understood. 
     Icemaker appliance  100  may also include an ice storage compartment or storage bin  102 . Ice storage compartment  102  may be provided within interior volume  111  of cabinet  110 . In particular, ice storage compartment  102  may be positioned, e.g., directly, below ice maker  120  along the vertical direction V. Thus, ice storage compartment  102  is positioned for receiving clear ice from ice maker  120  and is configured for storing the clear ice therein. It will be understood that ice storage compartment  102  may be maintained at a temperature greater than the freezing point of water. Thus, the clear ice within ice storage compartment  102  may melt over time while stored within ice storage compartment  102 . Icemaker appliance  100  may include features for recirculating liquid meltwater from ice storage compartment  102  to ice maker  120 . 
       FIG.  3    provides a schematic view of certain components of icemaker appliance  100 . As may be seen in  FIG.  3   , ice maker  120  may include an ice mold  124  and a nozzle  126 . For instance, ice mold  124  may include a plurality of ice molds for forming a plurality of ice cubes at one time. Liquid from nozzle  126  may be dispensed toward ice mold  124 . For example, nozzle  126  may be provided below ice mold  124  within a first reservoir  128  and may dispense liquid water upward toward ice mold  124 . As discussed in greater detail below, ice mold  124  is cooled by refrigerant. Thus, the liquid water from nozzle  126  flowing across ice mold  124  may freeze on ice mold  124 , e.g., in order to form clear ice cubes on ice mold  124 . Further, as described below, ice mold  124  may include a plurality of first ice molds  1241  and a plurality of second ice molds  1242 . 
     To cool ice mold  124 , icemaker assembly  100  includes a sealed system  170 . Sealed system  170  includes components for executing a known vapor compression cycle for cooling ice maker  120  and/or air. The components include a compressor  172 , a condenser  174 , an expansion device (not shown), and an evaporator  176  connected in series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed system  170  may include additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. Additionally or alternatively, the placement of the components (e.g., compressor  172 , condenser  174 , etc.) may be adjusted according to specific embodiments. Thus, sealed system  170  is provided by way of example only. It is within the scope of the present subject matter for other configurations of a sealed system to be used as well. 
     Within sealed system  170 , refrigerant flows into compressor  172 , which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through condenser  174 . Within condenser  174 , heat exchange with ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant. A fan  178  may operate to pull air across condenser  174  so as to provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser  174  and the ambient air. 
     The expansion device (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives refrigerant from condenser  174 . From the expansion device, the refrigerant enters evaporator  176 . Upon exiting the expansion device and entering evaporator  176 , the refrigerant drops in pressure. Due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator  176  is cool, e.g., relative to ambient air and/or liquid water. Evaporator  176  is positioned at and in thermal contact with ice maker  120 , e.g., at ice mold  124  of ice maker  120 . Thus, ice maker  120  may be directly cooled with refrigerant at evaporator  176 . 
     It should be understood that ice maker  120  may be an air-cooled ice maker in alternative example embodiments. Thus, e.g., cooled air from evaporator  176  may refrigerate various components of icemaker appliance  100 , such as ice mold  124  of ice maker  120 . In such example embodiments, evaporator  176  is a type of heat exchanger which transfers heat from air passing over evaporator  176  to refrigerant flowing through evaporator  176 , and fan may circulate chilled air from the evaporator  176  to ice maker  120 . 
     In some embodiments, icemaker appliance  100  may further include a cleanout line  162 . Cleanout line  162  may include an additional reservoir (e.g., a third reservoir) which may collect meltwater from ice storage compartment  102 . In one example, cleanout line  162  is connected directly to ice storage compartment  102 . Accordingly, liquid within ice storage compartment  102  may flow out of ice storage compartment  102  through cleanout line  162 . A second end of cleanout line  162  may be exposed outside of icemaker appliance  100 . Liquid flowing through cleanout line  162  may be released from icemaking appliance  100  via the second end. In other embodiments, liquid flowing through cleanout line  162  may be resupplied to first reservoir  128 . In still other embodiments, cleanout line  162  may be omitted entirely, such that icemaker appliance  100  is drainless. 
     Icemaker appliance  100  may also include a controller  190  that regulates or operates various components of icemaker appliance  100 . Controller  190  may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of icemaker appliance  100 . The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller  190  may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between controller  190  and various operational components of icemaker appliance  100 . As an example, the various operational components of icemaker appliance  100  may be in communication with controller  190  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     The ice maker  102  may further include a heater (not shown) provided at or near ice mold  124 . During a harvesting of the ice cubes formed on ice mold  124 , the heater may be activated to heat ice mold  124  and subsequently release the ice cubes from ice mold  124 . In one embodiment, the sealed system  170  may be turned off (i.e., no refrigerant is supplied to evaporator  176 ) and the heater may be turned on for a predetermined amount of time. Ice mold  124  is then temporarily heated by the heater to release or harvest the ice cubes. The heater may be an electric heater, for example. However, it should be understood that various types of heaters may be used to heat ice mold  124 , including a reverse flow of refrigerant or a hot gas bypass through sealed system  170 , for another example, and the disclosure is not limited to those examples provided herein. 
       FIG.  4    provides top and side schematic views of ice maker  120 , and  FIG.  5    provides a side schematic view of ice maker  120  including ice molds  124 , as well as first reservoir  128  and second reservoir  138 . For example, first reservoir  128  and second reservoir  138  may be located within inset  300  of  FIG.  3   . Referring to  FIG.  4   , ice maker  120  may include ice molds  124 . Additionally or alternatively, evaporator  176  may be attached to ice molds  124 . Ice molds  124  may include the plurality of first ice molds  1241  and the plurality of second ice molds  1242 . The plurality of first ice molds  1241  may be distinguished from the plurality of second ice molds  1242  along the transverse direction T, in one example. For instance, the plurality of first ice molds  1241  may be located proximate a rear of cabinet  110  and the plurality of second ice molds  1242  may be located proximate a front of cabinet  110 . It should be noted that the locations of the plurality of first ice molds  1241  and the plurality of second ice molds  1242  are provided by way of example only, and that the locations thereof may be altered according to specific embodiments. 
     Icemaker appliance  100  may include a liquid supply conduit  130  and a supply valve  132 . Liquid supply conduit  130  is connectable to an external pressurized liquid supply, such as a municipal water supply or well. Supply valve  132  may be coupled to liquid supply conduit  130 , and supply valve  132  may be operable (e.g., openable and closable) to regulate liquid water flow through liquid supply conduit  130  into icemaker appliance  100 . In one embodiment, liquid supply conduit  130  is connected to first reservoir  128 . In detail, liquid supply conduit  130  is in fluid communication with first reservoir  128  to allow external water to be supplied into first reservoir  128  via liquid supply conduit  130 . Thus, e.g., first reservoir  128  may be filled with fresh liquid water from the external pressurized water supply through liquid supply conduit  130  by opening supply valve  132 . Liquid supply conduit  130  may be connected at a bottom of cabinet  110 . In some embodiments, liquid supply conduit  130  is connected at a top of cabinet  110 . According to this embodiment, water introduced through a top of the cabinet may be released over top of ice maker  120  and may assist in a harvesting operation of ice formed on ice mold  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  5   , icemaker appliance  100  may include first reservoir  128 . First reservoir  128  may be provided within ice storage compartment  102 . For example, first reservoir  128  may be located at or near top portion  112  of interior volume  111  of ice storage compartment  102 . First reservoir  128  may define a receiving space that holds liquid (e.g., water) to be formed into ice. For example, an inner volume of first reservoir  128  may be smaller than interior volume  111  of ice storage compartment  102 . In some embodiments, first reservoir  128  may hold other liquids, such as cleaning solutions, for example. 
     Ice maker  120  may be provided within first reservoir  128 . In detail, evaporator  176  and ice mold  124  may be located within first reservoir  128 . In some embodiments, ice maker  120  is provided above first reservoir  128  (e.g., along the vertical direction V). First reservoir  128  may extend along the vertical direction V from a bottom end  202  to a top end  204 . Ice maker  120  may be mounted at the top end  204  of the first reservoir  128 . For example, evaporator  176  may be mounted to the top end  204  and ice mold  124  may be connected to evaporator  176 . In some embodiments, ice mold  124  may be defined by evaporator  176 . In other words, evaporator  176  is integral with ice mold  124  such that the clear ice is formed directly on evaporator  176 . 
     Icemaker appliance  100  may include a first circulation system  139 . First circulation system  139  may include a first pump  142 , a first circulation conduit  140 , and a first nozzle  126 . First pump  142  may be provided within first reservoir  128 . First pump  142  may pump water or liquid stored in first reservoir  128 . First circulation conduit  140  may be connected to first pump  142  such that the water or liquid pumped by first pump  142  is circulated through first circulation conduit  140 . First circulation conduit  140  may include a series of tubes or pipes capable of guiding the water or liquid pumped by first pump  142 . First nozzle  126  may be provided at a downstream end of first circulation conduit  140 . First nozzle  126  may dispense the water or liquid stored in first reservoir  128  toward ice maker  120  (i.e., ice mold  124  and/or evaporator  176 ). 
     In one embodiment, first nozzle  126  may be located near bottom end  202  of first reservoir  128 . As such, the water or liquid may be sprayed in a generally upward direction from first nozzle  126  toward ice maker  120 . Accordingly, clear ice may be formed on ice maker  120  due to a constant spray of water onto ice maker  120  while ice maker is cooled by a circulation of refrigerant through sealed system  170 . In detail, liquid dispensed from first nozzle  126  may be directed toward the ice mold  124 , such as depicted in  FIG.  5   . In other embodiments, the first nozzle  126  may direct the liquid to the plurality of first ice molds  1241 . In some embodiments, a plurality of first nozzles  126  may be provided. Each of the plurality of first nozzles  126  may be connected to first pump  142  independently (e.g., each first nozzle  126  having a dedicated first circulation conduit  140 ). Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of first nozzles  126  may be connected to the first pump  142  via a joint circulation conduit. 
     Icemaker appliance  100  may also be operated in a cleaning mode, or may perform a cleaning operation to clean the various pieces in icemaker appliance  100  that may become contaminated with foreign debris. For example, in some embodiments, cleaning solution or acid may be pumped through first circulation conduit  140  and dispensed by nozzle  126  toward ice maker  120 . Accordingly, the cleaning solution or acid may remove the foreign contaminants or debris from, for example, ice mold  124 , nozzle  126 , first reservoir  128 , and first circulation conduit  140 . 
     A first liquid level sensor or switch  134  may be provided in first reservoir  128 . Generally, the first liquid level sensor  134  may sense a level of liquid contained within first reservoir  128 . In some embodiments, first liquid level sensor  134  is in operable communication with controller  190 . For instance, first liquid level sensor  134  may communicate with the controller  190  via one or more signals. In certain embodiments, first liquid level sensor  134  includes a predetermined threshold level (e.g., to indicate the need for additional liquid to first reservoir  128 ). In particular, first liquid level sensor  134  may detect if or when the liquid first reservoir  128  is below the predetermined threshold level. Optionally, first liquid level sensor  134  may be a two-position sensor. In other words, first liquid level sensor  134  may either be “on” or “off,” depending on a level of liquid. 
     For example, when the liquid level is below the predetermined threshold level, first liquid level sensor  134  is “off,” meaning it does not send a signal to first pump  142  via controller  190  to pump liquid from first reservoir  128  through first circulation conduit  140  toward first nozzle  126 . For another example, when the liquid level is above the predetermined threshold, first liquid level sensor  134  is “on,” meaning it sends a signal to first pump  142  via controller  190  to operate first pump  142  to pump liquid through first circulation conduit  140  toward first nozzle  126 . It should be understood that first liquid level sensor  134  may be any suitable sensor capable of determining a level of liquid within first reservoir  128 , and the disclosure is not limited to those examples provided herein. 
     In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be connected to first circulation conduit  140 . The filter may filter out solid contaminants from water in the first reservoir  128 . The filter may be provided downstream from first pump  142 . Additionally or alternatively, the filter may be provided upstream from nozzle  126 . In some such embodiments, the filter is provided along a flow path between first pump  142  and nozzle  126 , such that water passes from first reservoir  142  through the filter before being dispensed by nozzle  126 . The filter may include a filter medium which performs the actual filtration. For example, the filter medium may be a deionization filter. Nonetheless, it should be understood that various additional or alternative suitable filter mediums or devices may be incorporated as the filter medium, or the filter may be omitted entirely. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG.  5   , certain embodiments of icemaker appliance  100  may include a second reservoir  138 . Second reservoir  138  may be provided within ice storage compartment  102 . For example, second reservoir  138  may be immediately adjacent to first reservoir  128 . Second reservoir  138  may define a receiving space that holds liquid of a higher total dissolved solids (TDS) relative to the body of liquid at the first reservoir  128 . For example, an inner volume of second reservoir  138  may be smaller than interior volume  111  of ice storage compartment  102 . Second reservoir  138  may be in fluid communication with first reservoir  128 . For instance, liquid contained within first reservoir  128  may be selectively diverted to second reservoir  138  via second conduit  147 , such as described further herein. Second reservoir  138  may be lower than first reservoir  128  (e.g., along the vertical direction V). In detail, a bottom of second reservoir  138  may be lower than a bottom of first reservoir  128  along the vertical direction V. Additionally or alternatively, a top of second reservoir  138  may be lower than a top of first reservoir  128  (e.g., along the vertical direction). 
     First reservoir  128  and second reservoir  138  may be connected by a conduit  154 . Conduit  154  may include a pipe, duct, or conduit allowing liquid to flow from first reservoir  128  into second reservoir  138 . Conduit  154  may be any suitable length, and the disclosure is not limited in size or material used. Additionally, or alternatively, a valve  156  may be provided on conduit  154 . For instance, the valve  156  at the conduit  154  may allow selectively opening and closing of fluid between the first reservoir  128  and second reservoir  138 . Valve  156  may receive input signals from controller  190  to selectively open and close to allow liquid from first reservoir  128  to pass through valve assembly  156  into second reservoir  138 , such as described further herein. In various embodiments, valve  156  may be any suitable type of valve, such as a check valve, a gate valve, a flap valve, a ball valve, an electronic valve, or the like. In some embodiments, the valve is a mechanical valve (i.e., valve may open and close according to a liquid pressure from first reservoir  128 , without electronic intervention from controller  190 ). 
     In detail, icemaker appliance  100  may receive a level of liquid (e.g., municipal water) into first reservoir  128  provided from liquid supply conduit  130 . Icemaker appliance  100  may then perform a plurality of icemaking cycles or operations each forming clear ice. The leftover liquid remaining within first reservoir  128  may contain levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) higher than a level of TDS of the liquid provided from the liquid supply conduit  130  to the first reservoir  128 . 
     Accordingly, controller  190  may open valve  156  to allow the liquid in first reservoir  128  to flow into second reservoir  138  when a threshold TDS level is exceeded. In various embodiments, the liquid in first reservoir  128  is selectively transferred to second reservoir  138  according to a detected level of TDS, such as described in further detail below. 
     Embodiments of the icemaker appliance  10  are configured to perform or execute steps of a method for producing ice (hereinafter “method  1000 ”), such as outlined in flowcharts in  FIGS.  7 - 8   . Icemaking appliances, such as embodiments of the icemaker appliance  10  provided in regard to  FIGS.  1 - 6   , may be configured to store or receive instructions and execute operations in accordance with steps of embodiments of the method  1000 . Instructions stored by the controller  190 , when executed, cause the icemaker appliance  10  to perform operations for producing ice. In particular, methods, or operations executed by the controller  190 , generate clear ice, such as having substantially less total dissolved solids (TDS) than ice formed from water as substantially received from a liquid supply conduit  130 . Embodiments of the method  1000  allow for producing ice having substantially zero total dissolved solids, generating clear ice substantially free of matter that may generate cloudiness in the ice. 
     Steps of the operations or method  1000  include at  1005  providing a supply of liquid (e.g., water) from a liquid supply conduit (e.g., liquid supply conduit  130 ) to a reservoir (e.g., reservoir  128 ). The liquid provided from the liquid supply conduit generally has a baseline level of total dissolved solids (TDS), such as may be received from a water source, or after one or more filters at the appliance or facility at which the appliance is utilized. An initial body of liquid provided to the reservoir has TDS levels substantially similar to the baseline level TDS of the supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit. For example, the baseline TDS of the supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit may be approximately 100 parts per million (ppm). However, it should be appreciated that the baseline TDS may be any level below a threshold level of TDS such as described further herein. 
     The method  1000  includes at  1010  dispensing a flow of liquid from the body of liquid at the reservoir toward an ice mold (e.g., ice mold  124 ). In particular, step  1010  may include dispensing or spraying the flow of liquid through a nozzle (e.g., nozzle  126 ) toward the ice mold. The method  1000  includes at  1020  freezing a first portion of the flow of liquid at the ice mold received from  1010 . The method  1000  includes at  1030  providing a second portion of the flow of liquid dispensed via step  1010  to the reservoir (e.g., reservoir  128 ). In various embodiments, the first portion of the flow of liquid frozen at the ice mold is approximately 10% or less of the flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold, and the second portion of the flow of liquid is a remainder or difference (e.g., 90% or more) of the flow of liquid dispensed toward the ice mold. As such, a proportion of the first portion of the flow of liquid to the second portion is approximately 10/90 or less. In certain embodiments, the proportion of first portion to second portion is approximately 5/95 or less, or particularly approximately 1/99. The un-frozen portion of the flow of liquid dispensed from the nozzle (i.e., the second portion) is provided, such as via gravity, drip, or catchment of the reservoir (e.g., reservoir  128 ). The method  1000  may form an icemaking cycle iteratively performing steps  1010  and  1020  until clear ice is formed at the ice mold (e.g., ice mold  124 ). 
     The first portion of the flow of liquid that is frozen at the ice mold  124  has a first level of TDS less than the second portion that is provided back to the reservoir  128 . The first level of TDS may change as the icemaking cycle continues, or as further icemaking cycles are performed, the first level of TDS of the flow of liquid received and frozen at the ice mold  124  is generally less than the second level of TDS that accumulates dissolved solids from the first portion. As such, the method  1000  may include at  1022  accumulating dissolved solids from the first portion of the flow of liquid at the second portion of the flow of liquid. 
     During, or after, the icemaking cycle described with  1010  and  1020 , or furthermore with  1022 , the method  1000  includes at  1030  providing a supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit to the reservoir (e.g., from the liquid supply conduit  130  to the reservoir  128 ) after dispensing the flow of liquid toward the ice mold. Step  1030  may be performed substantially similarly as step  1005 . As such, the supply of liquid has a baseline TDS. An initial icemaking cycle (e.g., steps  1010  and  1020 ) may include the first portion of the flow of liquid having a first level of TDS substantially similar to the baseline TDS. As TDS accumulate at the second portion of the flow of liquid into the reservoir (e.g., reservoir  128 ), the TDS at the body of liquid increases. Accordingly, the TDS of the first portion of the flow of liquid from the body of liquid at the reservoir increases, and the TDS of the second portion increases further above the TDS of the first portion. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a baseline TDS at the body of liquid at the start of an initial or first icemaking cycle is approximately 100 ppm. After completing the first icemaking cycle, the TDS at the body of liquid at the reservoir  128  is approximately 200 ppm. Step  1030  provides the supply of liquid, having the baseline TDS, to the body of liquid remaining at the reservoir  128 . Step  1030  may accordingly include diluting the body of liquid at the reservoir with the supply of liquid from the liquid supply conduit to decrease the level of TDS at the body of liquid at the reservoir. Referring to the exemplary embodiment, after completing step  1030 , the TDS at the body of liquid may decrease to approximately 150 ppm. A second icemaking cycle may be performed after the first icemaking cycle, in which the starting TDS at the body of liquid and the first portion of the flow of liquid is approximately 150 ppm. After completing the second icemaking cycle, the TDS at the body of liquid at the reservoir  128  is approximately 300 ppm. Step  1030  provides the supply of liquid and accordingly dilutes the TDS to a lesser amount (e.g., from 300 ppm to 200 ppm). 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the method  1000  may include at  1024  increasing the dissolved solids at the body of liquid at the reservoir by providing the second portion of the flow of liquid to the reservoir, such as in step  1020  or  1022 . The method  1000  may include at  1032  decreasing the dissolved solids at the body of liquid by providing the supply of liquid to the reservoir, such as in step  1030 . 
     The method  1000  at  1040  draining the body of liquid from the reservoir (e.g., first reservoir  128 ) to a second reservoir (e.g., second reservoir  138 ) when the body of liquid exceeds a threshold of total dissolved solids. In various embodiments, the threshold of total dissolved solids is between 5 times to 10 times an amount of dissolved solids of the supply of liquid provided to the reservoir  128 , such as the baseline level of TDS. In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold TDS may be approximately 800 ppm. Several iterations of icemaking cycles may be performed in which each subsequent starting TDS level increases over the previous TDS level. An initial or first icemaking cycle may start at approximately 100 ppm at step  1010 , increase to approximately 200 ppm at step  1020 , dilute to between 100 ppm and 200 ppm at step  1030  and provide the starting TDS level for the next icemaking cycle. In certain embodiments, after several iterations of icemaking cycles the starting TDS level is at or exceeds the threshold TDS level. 
     In certain embodiments, the method  1000  includes at  1038  determining the TDS at the body of liquid at the reservoir (e.g., reservoir  128 ). Determining the TDS may include detecting, calculating, obtaining, or otherwise detecting the TDS level at the body of liquid. Certain embodiments may configure the liquid level sensor  134  to determine the TDS level. In other embodiments, determining the TDS level may be a function of the baseline TDS, a quantity of icemaking cycles, the threshold TDS limit, and an indication of when the body of liquid was previously drained or otherwise replaced. Determining the TDS level may correspond to a predetermined quantity of icemaking cycles until which the body of liquid at the reservoir is at or above the threshold TDS limit. 
     In a particular embodiment, the method  1000  includes at  1040  draining at least a portion of the body of liquid from the first reservoir  128  to the second reservoir  138  after determining the TDS level at the body of liquid exceeds the threshold TDS limit. Draining the body of liquid may include actuating the valve assembly  156  such as described herein to allow the liquid to flow from the first reservoir  128  to the second reservoir  138 . 
     In certain embodiments, the method  1000  further includes at  1042  evaporating the body of liquid at the second reservoir (e.g., an evaporation tank). Evaporating the body of liquid at the second reservoir  138  may be performed by positioning a heated portion of the condenser, depicted via  176   a , in thermal communication with the body of liquid at the second reservoir  138 . Over time, the reservoir may collect solids left behind as the liquid evaporates. In some embodiments, the second reservoir  138  may be configured to be disposable and replaceable. In certain embodiments, the second reservoir  138  may be formed from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a recycled PET (RPET), or other appropriate material. 
     In still certain embodiments, the reservoir may be treated or integrated with an antimicrobial, an antifungal, an antiviral, or other compound to inhibit bacterial, mold, or viral growth at the body of liquid. The treatment may include chlorine, Microban® or other appropriate solutions. Still certain embodiments may include treating the liquid with an ultraviolet light. 
     The method  1000  may include at  1044  condensing the evaporated liquid and at  1046  providing the condensate liquid to the first reservoir  128 . The icemaking appliance  10  may provide the condensate liquid back to the first reservoir  128  through a second circulation conduit  147  providing fluid communication from the second reservoir  138  to the first reservoir  128 . The condensate liquid has a lower TDS than the liquid provided from the first reservoir  128  to the second reservoir  138 . The condensate liquid may then be used in the body of liquid, such as described at steps  1010  and  1020 . 
     Embodiments of the appliance  10  and method  1000  provided herein allow for production of clear ice without necessitating draining water to a wastewater drain. Embodiments provided herein allow for recycling water from a first reservoir to a second reservoir and having dissolved solids removed from the high-TDS water before being recycled back to the first reservoir. 
     Certain embodiments of the appliance  10  and method  1000  provided herein may include approximately doubling an end-of-cycle TDS level versus a start-of-cycle TDS level. For example, a starting TDS of 100 ppm at the body of liquid may end the cycle with 200 ppm at the body of liquid. Still certain embodiments may include diluting the end-of-cycle TDS level to approximately halfway or between the start-of-cycle TDS level (e.g., 100 ppm) and the end-of-cycle TDS level (e.g., 200 ppm), such as to provide a start-of-second cycle TDS level (e.g., 150 ppm). The cycles may iterate until the threshold level of TDS is met or exceeded (e.g., 700 ppm, or 800 ppm, or 1000 ppm, etc.). 
     In certain embodiments having a baseline TDS of approximately 100 ppm, the appliance  10  and method  1000  may produce approximately six pounds of clear ice for every pound of water drained from the first reservoir  128 . In another embodiment having a baseline TDS of approximately 150 ppm, the appliance  10  and method  1000  may produce approximately 3.5 pounds of clear ice for every pound of water drained from the first reservoir  128 . 
     Particular embodiments of the method  1000  include at  1050  reducing a rate of icemaking as the TDS at the body of liquid increases. Reducing the rate of icemaking as the TDS increases may allow for matching evaporating time, liquid recycling or treatment, or rate of consumption by a user. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG.  6   , the appliance  10  may be configured substantially as provided with regard to  FIGS.  1 - 5   . In  FIG.  6   , the appliance  10  may include a second circulation system  146 . Second circulation system  146  may be provided in second reservoir  138 . For instance, second circulation system  146  may include a second pump  144 , a second circulation conduit  147 , and a second nozzle  148 . Second circulation system  146  may operate along the same principles as first circulation system  139 . For instance, second pump  144  may pump liquid from second reservoir  138  through second conduit  147  toward second nozzle  148 . However, second nozzle  148  may direct liquid toward a plurality of second ice molds  1242  as opposed to a plurality of first ice molds  1421 . In some embodiments, a plurality of second nozzles  148  may be provided. Each of the plurality of second nozzles  148  may be connected to second pump  144  independently (e.g., each second nozzle  148  having a dedicated second circulation conduit  147 ). Additionally or alternatively, each of the plurality of second nozzles  148  may be connected to the second pump  144  via a joint circulation conduit. 
     In some embodiments, first reservoir  128 , first ice mold  1241 , and first circulation system  139  may collectively be referred to as a first icemaker. Similarly, second reservoir  138 , second ice mold  1242 , and second circulation system  146  may collectively be referred to as a second icemaker. As will be described in more detail below, second icemaker may not include second circulation system  146 . 
     A second liquid level sensor  136  may be provided in second reservoir  138 . Generally, the second liquid level sensor  136  may sense a level of liquid contained within second reservoir  138 . In some embodiments, second liquid level sensor  136  is in operable communication with controller  190 . For instance, second liquid level sensor  136  may communicate with the controller  190  via one or more signals. In certain embodiments, second liquid level sensor  136  includes a predetermined threshold level (e.g., to indicate the need for additional liquid to second reservoir  138 ). In particular, second liquid level sensor  136  may detect if or when the liquid second reservoir  138  is below the predetermined threshold level. Optionally, second liquid level sensor  136  may be a two-position sensor. In other words, second liquid level sensor  136  may either be “on” or “off,” depending on a level of liquid. For example, when the liquid level is below the predetermined threshold level, second liquid level sensor  136  is “off,” meaning it does not send a signal to second pump  144  via controller  190  to pump liquid from second reservoir  138  through second circulation conduit  147  toward second nozzle  148 . For another example, when the liquid level is above the predetermined threshold, second liquid level sensor  136  is “on,” meaning it sends a signal to second pump  144  via controller  190  to operate second pump  144  to pump liquid through second circulation conduit  147  toward second nozzle  148 . It should be understood that second liquid level sensor  136  may be any suitable sensor capable of determining a level of liquid within second reservoir  138 , and the disclosure is not limited to those examples provided herein. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.