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

Abstract This research presents the ΛCDM-E framework, a thermodynamic extension of the standard ΛCDM cosmology that incorporates entropy as a fundamental component of dark energy. Through a systematic, multi-phase analysis utilizing Hubble parameter measurements [H(z)] and Type Ia supernovae data (Pantheon+SH0ES), we report a statistically robust detection of an entropy-coupled dark energy component. The entropy parameter γγ is detected at 8.9σ significance, with model comparison criteria (ΔAIC=−16.43ΔAIC=−16.43, ΔBIC=−11.38ΔBIC=−11.38) providing decisive evidence in favor of ΛCDM-E over standard ΛCDM. Our analysis suggests that entropy processes could contribute up to 63% of the observed dark energy density. The framework preserves all successes of the standard model while offering a physical, thermodynamically motivated interpretation for cosmic acceleration. Author: Jacques Faustmann (Independent Researcher, South Africa) Keywords: cosmology, dark energy, entropy, ΛCDM, thermodynamics, cosmological model, Hubble parameter, supernovae, statistical inference