A mathematical model was developed to simulate the performance of a direct carbon fuel cell. The model takes account of the electrochemical reaction dynamics, mass-transfer and the electrode processes. An improved packed bed anode was adopted. Polarization losses for the cell components were examined supposing graphite as the fuel and molten carbonate as the electrolyte. The results indicated that the anode activation polarization was the major potential loss in 923-1023 K. The effects of temperature, anode dimension, and carbon particle size on the cell performance were investigated. The model predicted that the power density can be as high as 200-500 W m(-2), with carbon particle size in the range 1.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 X 10(-4), and in 923-1023 K and that the overall efficiency of the cell is higher than 55% for low current density and is 45-50% for high current density. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.