For a reforming device that generates fuel gas for fuel cells by
decomposing hydrocarbon compounds such as natural gas and then using a
hydrogen separation composite to selectively transmit hydrogen, a
hydrogen separation composite having the following structure is used. A
porous support medium made of ceramics, etc. is formed, and a hydrogen
separation metal is supported in the pores so as to fill the inside of
the support medium. It is also possible to support a reforming catalyst.
By doing this, it is possible to increase the area at which the hydrogen
separation metal contacts gas, so the hydrogen transmission performance
is increased. Furthermore, to prevent raw material gas leaks due to pin
holes, high pressure gas is supplied to the hydrogen extraction side, and
the total pressure is made higher than the pressure on the raw material
gas supply side without making the hydrogen partial pressure higher. By
using these means, it is possible to increase the hydrogen separation
performance for the reforming device and to make the device more compact.