The ultra-high frequency（UHF） method for detecting partial discharges has the advantages of high sensitivity and high signal-to-noise ratio. However

the external sensor of the transformer has low sensitivity and the internal sensor will affect the actual operation of the transformer. This paper proposes a self-sensing detection method that transformer internal devices are used as UHF antennas to sense UHF electromagnetic signals generated by partial discharge. The transformer core

high-voltage winding

and high-voltage bushing end screen are selected as UHF antennas

which are modeled and simulated by UHF self-sensing detection. The simulation calculation of the antenna characteristic parameters of the transformer parts shows that the selected parts can be used as the antenna for partial discharge detection in the UHF range. Moreover

the integral transformer is modeled and the reception characteristics of the selected components for the UHF signal inside the transformer are simulated. The simulation results show that the internal devices of the transformer can perceive the UHF signal generated by partial discharge well and play a role in detecting partial discharge. Experiments on a solid transformer further verify the feasibility of the proposed partial discharge UHF self-sensing detection. The UHF self-sensing detection method

in which external sensors are not required

can be adopted to achieve high-sensitivity safety detection of transformer partial discharge on site.