Method and apparatus for flow measurement in a fluid distribution system having a number of fluid tap units

A method for measuring of fluid flow rate in a fluid distribution system, comprising:

• providing a centrally located fluid source which is connected via separate feeding conduits to a number of fluid tap units, each including a fluid inlet and at least one fluid tap, wherein the fluid pressure in each separate feeding conduit, upon opening said at least one fluid tap and a respective control valve being located between the centrally located fluid source and the respective feeding conduit, will drop along the feeding conduit during a tapping operation, whereas the fluid pressure in said fluid source is maintained at a substantially constant pressure,
• providing, for each said separate feeding conduit, a first fluid pressure sensor located anywhere along said separate feeding conduit or in the associated fluid tap unit, and a second fluid pressure sensor, serving as a reference pressure sensor common to all of said feeding conduits and being located adjacent to said centrally located fluid source, and
• electronically connecting each of said first and second fluid pressure sensors to a control unit adapted to periodically determine the fluid pressures at said first and second fluid pressure sensors, including the difference between these two fluid pressures, and, on the basis of said determination of said fluid pressures and said pressure difference, calculate the flow rate of fluid flowing through each separate feeding conduit, at least as long as there is a fluid flow at said inlet to any fluid tap unit.