This invention prevents reduction of hydrogen permeability and
deterioration in hydrogen separation members that use an
oxygen-containing gas as a cathode off gas and a purge gas. Described is
a hydrogen separation device that includes a reformed gas passage, a
purge gas passage, and a hydrogen separation membrane. A supply of
reformed gas flows through the reformed gas passage. A cathode off gas
discharged from a fuel cell cathode flows through the purge gas passage
to carry hydrogen transmitted through the hydrogen separation membrane to
a fuel cell anode. A portion of the hydrogen separation membrane near the
supply of the cathode off gas has enhanced heat resistance that prevents
deterioration of the hydrogen separation membrane even when hydrogen
transmitted through the membrane reacts with oxygen remaining in the
cathode off gas to raise the temperature in the vicinity of the portion
close to the supply of the cathode off gas.