Solution (source code)

= Solution

If $\nabla\times\mathbf F=0$ on a simply connected region containing the bounded trajectory, then the <Poincare lemma> gives a scalar potential $U$ with $\mathbf F=-\nabla U$. The work is
$$
W=\int\mathbf F\mathbin\cdot d\mathbf x
=U(\mathbf x_1)-U(\mathbf x_2),
$$
which remains bounded when $\mathbf x$ and $\mathbf F$ remain bounded. Since $H$ is also bounded, $\Delta Q=W-\Delta H$ cannot grow linearly with the observation time.

Thus sustained linear heat dissipation in this setting requires a <nonconservative force>, and, under the stated simply connectedness assumption,
$$
\boxed{\nabla\times\mathbf F\ne0.}
$$
Such a force can perform nonzero work on repeated bounded cycles. On a multiply connected domain, a curl-free force can have nonzero circulation, so the topological assumption is essential.