Power+Energy, Inc. (P+E) has introduced a line of commercial hydrogen separators including models that can tolerate and remove sulfur from reformed fuel streams. Based on palladium alloy membranes, the company has developed an entirely new membrane configuration specifically engineered to maximize the recovery efficiency of hydrogen from a mixed gas stream. These separators are designed to be coupled with fuel reformers including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, propane, ammonia, gasoline or diesel fuels. In addition, it will also provide the capability to separate hydrogen from alternative fuels including land-fill gases, synthesis gases and biomass digesters among others.

The availability of sulfur-compatible hydrogen separation membranes offers substantial benefits for a wide range of fuel cell applications in both military and industrial/commercial applications. A major opportunity exists for fuel cell-based auxiliary power units (APU) for all types of vehicles, many of which have diesel engines. The availability of fuel cell-based APU's that can operate with standard diesel fuel will open significant opportunities for industry at large. At present, both the complexity of hydrogen separation and the limited availability of sulfur-free diesel fuel are limiting the implementation of fuel cells for auxiliary power applications. This breakthrough will also enable the use of fuel cells for emergency and backup power fueled with commercially available diesel fuel or home heating oil. In addition, these membranes will also enable the use of various renewable and alternative fuels as sources of hydrogen for fuel cells.

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