Is my dynamo a BLDC generator or PMSM generator?
First of all google the serial number. This may provide a link to the datasheet &amp; this will inform yourself as to whether it is a BLAC or a BLDC machine.

From empirical measurement... It all depends on what you are exactly seeing. You have to remember that the waveform you are measuring is line-line and NOT phase voltage.

So is it a BLAC machine?  the Phase voltages would appear like:


And thus the line-line at the terminals would appear:



Thus a BLAC machine would be quite clear. NOTE. In theory the BackEMF is sinus, in practice &amp; depending on build quality... it won't be

So is it a BLDC machine?  the Phase voltages would appear like:



And thus the line-line at the terminals would appear: