ΛCDM-E: Entropy as a Possible Dark Energy Component within the ΛCDM Framework

Deprecated – please refer to Version 3.0 and later for the latest results.Abstract: This work presents ΛCDM-E, an entropy-extended cosmological model in which entropy acts as a possible dark energy component within the ΛCDM framework. Statistical analysis using the H(z) dataset (Moresco 2023) and Pantheon+SH0ES supernova compilation indicates that entropy may contribute up to approximately 63% of the observed dark energy density. The entropy-modified Friedmann equation introduces a single additional parameter, γ = 0.6289 ± 0.05, detected at 8.9σ significance, representing one of the strongest empirical indications for a thermodynamic contribution to cosmic acceleration. Model comparison metrics (ΔAIC = -16.43, ΔBIC = -11.38) show decisive statistical preference for ΛCDM-E over standard ΛCDM. These findings suggest a potential thermodynamic origin for a large portion of dark energy, offering a bridge between cosmology and statistical physics. Further investigation and independent verification are encouraged. Author: Jacques Faustmann (Independent Researcher, South Africa) Keywords: cosmology, dark energy, entropy, ΛCDM, thermodynamics, cosmological model, Hubble parameter, supernovae, statistical inference